Why not accordion ?


To my point of view it's one of the most universal solo instruments, but not widely accepted in any classical or jazz orchestras or bands. It's also sophisticated. I'd say extremely sophisticated. In order to deliver smooth and artistic sound it may require long and extensive practice to handle bellows and position your hands properly. In addition there are two button boards that can deliver sophisticated polyphonic parts that can create an impression of small band inside one instrument. You can also count on fingers great accordionists while you can have an endless list of great guitarists or saxophonists.
czarivey
I'll second the Cajun suggestion. Zachary Richard is a personal favorite for his hybrid Cajun-pop music (both zydeco and waltz) and his singing. Early on, the wonderful guitarist Sonny Landreth played in Richard's band.

Another Cajun band that sometimes features accordion is Beausoleil, and they're also always great. Consistently marvelous fiddle playing as well as occasional accordion wizzardry.

I'm also a fan of both Flaco and Hidalgo. The last Las Lobos show that I attended saw David Hidalgo spend roughly half his stage time on accordion. He's one of my favorite guitarists, but I wasn't the least bit disappointed by his choice.
I grew up watching the Lawrence Welk Show (my Pa was from S. Dakoda), and always enjoyed Lawrence and his bandleader's playing. Then in the 70's, playing in a band whose repertoire included Hard Country, got into Flaco etc., but have never played with an accordionist myself. Garth Hudson of The Band played it a little with them---on Dylan's When I Paint My Masterpiece, for one.
Two bands that I love are Paris Combo and Quadro Nuevo and they both use accordians, though it's not always used with Paris Combo. I couldn't imagine either one without the use of an accordion. Done properly in a Jazz setting, it's a wonderful instrument full of life and expression and as valuable as any other instrument used.

You can lead with it or play backup and it harmonizes beautifully to the point where it can fool you into thnking it's a completely different instrument. You just have to hear played in the hands of a pro to appreciate it.

All the best,
Nonoise
Google is your friend. Nick de Caro played the accordion on Back Street Girl which is on Between the Buttons. Brian Jones played the Vibraphone.