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.
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.
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- 42 posts total
- 42 posts total