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Roland Corporation Decides to Move V-Accordion Production – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Roland Europe Spa closure does not mean the end of V-Accordion production which is expected to move to Japan or Asia. Alfredo Maroni, President of Roland Europe communicates, that the year 2013 is expected to record a profit of about one million Euros for Roland Europe Spa. At the moment 150 people are working in the production where the already worldwide famous accordion brand the “V-Accordion” has been successfully produced since 2005. For 7 years, Roland Europe has been organizing the international V-Accordion Festival, which is held annually in Rome and had its 7th Edition just 3 weeks ago from the 16-19th October 2013. Report: 2013 Rome Festival The Roland V-Accordions are a unique product, which no other major digital/electronic instrument manufacturer produces. The product is very Italian and includes many parts and production techniques that are used "only for accordion" using production skills long associated with the region Marche of Italy, where the first accordion production took place 150 years ago. An industry expert (not from Roland Europe spa) who does not wish to be named, believes that this closure could be a result of new Italian taxes and increases of bureaucracy, making production in Italy less desirable and less economic for the future. The Roland V-Accordion line is a valuable part of our accordion world and we can only hope, that every effort will be made to continue the development and production of this important product. Further information will be published as it becomes available. |
Ludovic Beier at "The Django Reinhardt" New York Festival - USAby Rita Barnea |
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![]() Air France presents the Django Reinhardt New York Festival at Birdland, New York city, November 5-10th featuring Gypsy guitar Legend Dorado Schmitt and sons Amati and Bronson with Ludovic Beier (accordion & accordina); Pierre Blanchard (violin), Francko Mehrstein (guitar); Brian Torff (bass), Jarryd Torff (saxophone) and special guest Cyrille Aimee (vocals). Ludovic Beier is performing throughout the festival. Such is the popularity of this group with Ludovic Beier, that many nights of the festival are already booked out as was Wednesday night when I attended. Ludovic was amazing with all eyes on him during his brilliant solos. The combination of accordion, guitar, bass, and violin mesmerized the audience who enthusiastically applauded as each one took their turn displaying their virtuoso abilities in improvisation. This is the 14th year of the Django Reinhardt NY Festival and a "Django Festival Allstars" CD has been produced which is receiving excellent reviews. After the show, I interviewed several members of the audience/program. Pat Philips, co-producer of the Django Reinhardt Festival said, " I feel that Ludovic is one of the great musicians of the world today on both instruments, accordion and accordina. He always rises to the top!" I really enjoyed the evening at Birdland Jazz Club and highly recommend that you catch Ludovic's performances if you can. He is truly inspirational! For further information: RP@birdlandjazz.com |
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10th KlezMORE Festival Vienna 2013 - Austriaby Harley Jones |
![]() With performers from North America, Scandinavia, Western and Eastern Europe, this popular festival, held over 15 days includes something for everyone. The festival organising team are: Friedl Preisl (Director) Ruth Schwarz, Claus Tieber, Gabriele Müller-Klomfar, Emil H. Lubej, Rainer Krispel, Tom Sebesta, A.K.I.S. und Sandra Hartbach and Druckerei Söldner. The 40 page color program with full details can be downloaded at: 2013KlezMore.pdf |
Jean Dauvin's 50th Anniversary Gala, Avranches – Franceby Rob Howard |
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The Salle Victor Hugo in Avranches, Normandy, was filled to capacity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jean Dauvin's professional career. Special guests included Gilou, accordionist for Pierre Perret and Licence TV, Steve Roxton, the English accordionist and vocalist, whom the French press have dubbed 'le Verchuren Anglais', and the bal musette accordionist from Touraine, Cedric Saillard. The guest of honour at the event was Mme. Dany Aimable, widow of the celebrated accordionist and orchestra leader Aimable, whose discs have sold many millions. Her arrival at the start of the event, which lasted nine hours, provoked huge applause and a standing ovation. Midway through the gala the Mayor of Avranches presented Jean with the gold medal of the National Assembly in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community of Avranches. Jean Dauvin also happens to be the Deputy Mayor of Avranches. There followed several hours of music and dance from Jean’s friends, all professional accordionists, who had come from various regions of France and Steve Roxton from England. Then there were superb performances from Gilou, and, of course, Jean himself accompanied by his lovely wife and chanteuse, Therese. The event concluded with all the artistes being called onto the stage for a mass performance of bal musette favourites. Finally, led by Jean, they proceeded round the hall in single file to the delight of some 350 lovers of accordion music. |
Mika Väyrynen Heads to the North of Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
![]() Following his trip north, Mika will appear at the Vaasa Baroque Festival on Saturday 16th November at the Palosaari Church where he will present a mostly Bach program (Bach: Chaconne in d, French Suites No's 4 and 5, Prelude and fugue A, and A. Sallinens baroque inspired Preludes and Fugues Op. 95. Later this month, Mika will appear at the Huittinen Accordion Festival on the 23rd November where he will perform at the Huittinen Church and then on December 1st December, he will perfrom at the Pirkanmaa Music Insitute in Tampere. His upcoming programs will be selected from the following: J.S. Bach/Väyrynen: Chaconne in D J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in a minor (BWV 543) A. Sallinen: Preludes and Fugues Op. 95 M. Väyrynen: Three Finnish Folksongs G. Galinin: From "Sonata Triad": Sonata No.1 in b minor E. Grieg: Five movements from "Lyrical Pieces" C. Saint-Saens/V. Horowitz/M. Väyrynen: Danse Macabre For more information on Mika and his latest CD releases, please visit www.accordions.com/mika |
Alexander Poeluev and Roberto Molinelli - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Roberto Molinelli has worked with many world stars as Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Jose Carreras and others and now Alexander Poeluev - winner of many international competitions including the Coupe Mondiale - is being featured. The dates are : November 20 - Novocherkassk, DC NEVZ November 21 - Mines , Shahtinskii Playhouse November 22 - Art. Leningrad , the CCM ( RDK ) November 24 - Rostov- on-Don , a congress hall Dstu November 29 Saransk Opera House Alexander Poeluev recently released a CD, available online at: Alexander Poeluev |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
6th Gary Dahl "Easy Listening Variety" eBook, Now Released - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() Cat No: DH06-eB Collection #6 Easy Listening Variety 26 Titles: You Belong To My Heart, Walk On By, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Ebb Tide, Time To Say Goodbye, Baby Face, Rocky Top, Lara's Theme, Impossible Dream, Danny Boy, It's All In The Game, Can't Help Falling In Love, California Dreaming, Adagio, Music Of The Night, Port Orchard Blues (Cajun Blues), Eloise (A Cajun Waltz), It Had Better Be Tonight, Hello My Baby, The Godfather, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, The Baby Elephant Walk, Abide With Me, Rockin' The Blues, Lyin' Eyes, Perdido. 65 pages of music for only US$40.00 or Euro equivalent. Click the link to see music samples and see why Gary Dahl arrangements are very popular. These eBooks make excellent gifts for Christmas. The previous eBooks recently released are: Cat No: DH01-eB Collection #1 Latin Spectacular (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH02-eB Collection #2 Favorite French Standards (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH03-eB Collection #3 The American Songbook (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH04-eB Collection #4 Favorite Waltzes & Polkas (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH05-eB Collection #5 Easy Listening Jazz (click link to see music samples) There are over 200 Gary Dahl arrangements available online at: http://www.musicforaccordion.com/inform/garydahl/index.htm |
Bester Quartet Featured - Polandby Harley Jones |
Bester Quartet is enjoying strong popularity and is made up of four highly skilled instrumentalists, classically trained musicians - Jaroslaw Bester (accordion), Jaroslaw Tyrala (violin), Oleg Dyyak (accordion, clarinet, duduk, percussion), Mikolaj Pospieszalski (double bass). Through the development of original , bold artistic repertoire , based mainly on their own compositions or prepared specifically for this instrumental composition , the team continues to win recognition from music critics and audiences around the world. The ensemble is a new edition of the legendary The Cracow Klezmer Band that was formed back in 1997 in Krakow, Poland as an initiative of Jaroslaw Bester – a young musician, composer and accordionist. Above are various videos of the exciting Bester Quartet. Bester Quartet live - XIX Festiwal Jazz na Starówce 2013, the players were joined by special guest Tomasz Zietek (trumpet). Tracks from CD on video above Published on Sep 19, 2013 0:00 SCHLOJMELE LIEBER 0:29 GOD -- FORSAKEN 0:50 HOPE 1:45 SOLITUDE 2:18 THE TIME OF FREEDOM 3:06 SPECTRE 3:26 A DEVILISH A TALE 1. HOPE 2. SCHLOJMELE LIEBER 3. ECCE HOMO 4. METAMORPHOSES 5. GOD -- FORSAKEN 6. THE MAGIC CASKET 7. FANTASIA 8. SOLITUDE 9. THE TIME OF FREEDOM 10. SPECTRE 11. A DEVILISH A TALE 12. THE COLOURS OF THE HEAVENS Further videos by Bester Quartet are on youtube. |
Tommy Gumina (1931-2013), Los Angeles - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tommy Gumina, enjoyed a long and very successful career, recorded scores of albums, and very nearly had a cinema career, too. He was cast to play the role of Angelo Maggio in ‘From Here to Eternity’ in 1953, but before it went into production, Frank Sinatra went to the studio and asked for the role. Gumina said he was disappointed but thought Sinatra was "wonderful in the role - probably better than I could have been, but it was a role that I wanted and think I could have done very well”. He added, "I admit I would like to win the reputation of being a fine actor, but the accordion is my real love as a career." Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Tommy Gumina recorded and performed with jazz greats Harry James, Buddy De Franco (forming the De Franco-Gumina Quartet), Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Gene Krupa, Joe Pass, Art Pepper, and others. Alto saxophonist Pepper described him as "the incredible Mr. Fingers”. Gumina performed on US TV variety shows of the 1950s/60s such as Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como, and Liberace. He also worked with Nelson Riddle and Billy May, making background music for the TV series ‘Route 66’ and ‘Naked City’, and was on the musical staff of ABC Television. He performed in Las Vegas and at many of the big night clubs in L.A., such as the Cocoanut Grove and the Mocombo. Gumina was discovered at the Tic Toc Club in Milwaukee in January 1952 by Harry James, whose band was in town, and was invited to join. "I don't know how he does it, but Tommy Gumina gets a tone and has a style that I have never heard before from an accordion ... a real jazz feeling”, James later was quoted in an interview. In the 1960s, Gumina was also was an innovator when it came to amplification and equipment, and in 1968 founded the Polytone Amplifier Co. "When it comes to the accordion, Gumina's modifications and amplification development are on a par with Les Paul's guitar inventions....," according to writer Elliott Simon at allaboutjazz.com. Gumina continued to perform and record, including a 1987 disc called ‘Sound Project’ with guitarist Joe Pass, and an acclaimed 1991 album called ‘Autumn Leaves’ (Alfa Records) with Pass, drummer Jimmie Smith and clarinetist De Franco. On the latter, Gumina performed on the Polychord, an electronic accordion instrument of his own design. Gumina, the oldest of three boys, recalled in a 1955 interview with the Milwaukee Journal how he got his first accordion. "I'll never forget. When I was 10 years old, my dad, who had a job at International Harvester Co., had been very ill with pneumonia. I wanted an accordion so bad that I was busting, but I knew we didn't have much money. I told my dad how I wanted an accordion and he said, 'Son, I'll rent one for you. I can't buy one. I haven't any money.' Just renting seemed wonderful to me, but my dad, still too weak to go to work, went to a place to get an accordion - and he didn't rent it. He bought it - on time. Gosh. That's being fine to a kid....". Tommy Gumina is survived by his wife, Marie, a daughter, Mary Jo Gumina, and brothers Manny and Rosario. |
Jack Alexander Passes Away, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The Alexander Brothers, singer Jack and accordionist Tom, were an enduringly very popular act in Scotland with their repertoire of Scottish folk and Country & Western songs and tunes. They turned professional in 1958, and were so successful their recordings even outsold The Beatles in Scotland at one point in the 1960s. They toured the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, appearing with Jimmy Shand at the Sydney Opera House and performed at Carnegie Hall, New York. In recognition of their contributions to the world of music, the brothers received MBEs from the Queen in the 2005 New Year Honours List. When they were boys, the brothers were classically trained, Jack becoming a pianist and Tom concentrating on the accordion. Tom became an All Scotland Champion in the early 1950s. The Alexander Brothers retired a couple of years ago when illness overtook Jack, but Tom Alexander has continued performing as a solo accordionist. |
Gordon Pattullo & Gemma Donald CD, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
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![]() The tracks include: A Reel Gem, Memories of Eva, Fort Charlotte, Lonesome Eyes, The High Rockin' Swing, Kronblom's Polka, Mrs MacDonald of Dunach, Sunset on the Ottawa, Blackjack Whiskey, Note for Note, The Golden Fiddle Waltz, Harrington Valley Two Step, Shenendoah, Clog From Hell, The Chorus Jig, Nya Alands Valsen, St Laurent Breakdown, The Furrows End Gordon Pattullo is one of the most renowned accordionists in Scotland, and has recorded over 20 albums, two DVDs, and has made many radio and TV broadcasts. At 11 years of age Gordon started music lessons with Jim Marshall at the Dundee Accordion School. He also had lessons from Louis Cabrelli and John Huband. In 1976 Gordon entered and won his first competition, the Junior Scottish Traditional section, at the All Scotland Festival in Perth - won against over 60 rivals! Since then he has won various other competitions, and has worked with the likes of Andy Stewart, Jim McLeod, Moira Anderson, Kenneth McKellar, Dana, Lulu and George Hamilton 1V. Gordon is also prolific composer. For further information email: jiml@musicinscotland.com |
Video: ”BayanTonic” recorded at Tjolöholms Church, Fjärås - Swedenby Harley Jones |
Two prominent musicians, Lars Karlsson (Sweden, diatonic accordion) and Øivind Farmen (Norway, concert accordion) have today released a new music video. This video on the concert piece ”BayanTonic” was recorded in October 2013 at Tjolöholms church in Fjärås, near Gothenburg in Sweden. The music is specially written for this very unique instrument constellation and combining the typical folk music instrument diatonic accordion together with a bayan (which is mainly a concert instrument for classical music) is extremely unusual! As far as we know, there is probably no other duo in the world who mixes like this? This duo has already done many concert tours in the Nordic countries but also in countries like Austria and United States. For further information email: info@karlssonsmusik.se |
Julia and Daniel Talaiko Akulenko Performance – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Julia and Daniel Talaiko Akulenko, students of the Accordion Class Viktor Dupper from the music school Rhein-Lahn, performed at the opening of the Fair Exhibition on Russian cultural history of classic paintings, ‘400 years of the Romanov Tsars’, on October 31st in Bad Ems Katharinenhof Lahnblick. Both nine years old, the youngsters presented a varied program in front of more than a hundred invited guests. They performed beautifully and soulfully as a duo and as soloists with entertaining pieces from different styles. Their repertoire included classical music, tango, blues, country, rock and folk, with music from Ludwig van Beethoven, Hans-Günther Kölz, John C.Newman, and Alfons Holzschuh. The thankful listeners have rewarded the performances of the young musicians, who participated for the first time in such event, with a warm applause. |
Stockport AC raises £600+ for Christie Appeal, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
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Stockport Accordion Club’s concert at Woodley Methodist Church on October 30th raised £614 for The Christie Appeal. The Christie, in Manchester, is one of the world’s leading cancer treatment and research hospitals, The church was almost full, with many first time visitors. The audience included former Stockport AC member Martina Hall and big band drummer Wally McKenzie (the cousin of the late John Nixon, SAC Vice President), who is still gigging at 92 – an example to us all! There was a non-stop parade of players, playing music in a variety of styles. Performing were Rob Howard, Derek Stubbs, Dorothy Brincat, Moira Hague, John Jones, Brennan Wilson, Derek Pritchard, Phil Watson, Helen Rich, Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, the Stockport AC Band (MD Derek Stubbs), Tameside Juniors (MD Rachel White), and the Stockport AC Orchestra (Brian Jenkins). Duets included Leo Hickey/John Curvis, John Higham/clarinet player Nick, Helen Rich/Derek Pritchard, Norbert Normile/Dorothy Brincat, Tony Ainscough/John Trigg, Chris Green/Betty Pollard, and Pearl Fawcett-Adriano/Phil Watson, and quartet spots from Accordions a la Carte, Scottish Quartet, and the Romiley Quartet. The evening came to a truly rousing finish with Pearl Fawcett-Adriano blazing through a ‘La Vie Parisienne’/‘Can Can’ medley, sending evryone home in a happy mood and wanting more. It really was a superb evening of accordion entertainment, a demonstration of the considerable playing strength of our club, but only made possible through the dedicated teamwork of our members. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Video: Speak Low by Frank Petrilli Trio - USAby Harley Jones |
Published on Oct 25, 2013. Performing "Speak Low" is Frank Petrilli (accordion), Jim Cox (bass) and Andy Lo Duca (drums) at the Chicago Accordion Club, October 21st, 2013. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Scottish band performs in Turkey, November 1999by Rob Howard |
![]() ‘Burach’ Tours Turkey Scottish group ‘Burach’ (which includes accordionist Sandy Brechin) will tour Turkey from November 15th to 28th, performing concerts in Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Kayseri, Konya and Bursa. Their program will include many new songs, which they plan to record on their new album in December such as ‘Stranger These Days’ and ‘Sweet Thing’. |
Future events |
Marcelo Caldi Trio Concert, Belo Horizonte – Brazilby Rob Howard |
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Marko Kassl Diary Datesby Rob Howard |
![]() November 8th, 8.15pm - Citykirche Alter Markt, Kirchplatz, D-41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany November 10th, 6pm – concert following a composition workshop, with David Graham, Peterskirchhof 1, D-52062 Aachen November 13th, 4pm – Opera, Altes Pfandhaus Köln, Kartäuserwall 20, D-50678 Cologne November 15th, 7.30pm - Opernhaus Dortmund, Theaterkarree 1-3, D-44137 Dortmund November 17th, 6pm - duo with Theo Pauß (clavier), Klangraum 61, Mettmannerstr 61, D-40233 Düsseldorf November 24th, 6pm – with Ensemble Black Pencil ‘Re Inventing Zappa’, Jazzschmiede, Himmelgeister Straße 107G, D-40225 Düsseldorf November 26th, 4pm - Altes Pfandhaus Köln, Kartäuserwall 20, D-50678 Cologne For further information email: info@marko-kassl.de |
Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic Concert, Purkersdorf - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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1st Sicilian Accordion and Diatonic Accordion Event - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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1st Sicilian Accordion and Diatonic Accordion Event 13th November 2013 - Cine Teatro Comunale di Nicosia (EN) free entrance Many performances of accordionists and guests during this evening of Music. For those who want to participate as accordionist or diatonic accordion player, please contact 3209439483 for further information. During the event, there is also an exhibition of instruments – which are also available for testing. Giuseppe Spinelli will present his 2nd album album "Crazy Smooth" with music and songs. |
Santa Maria Accordion Band Concert, Buskett – Maltaby Rob Howard |
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The Santa Maria Accordion Band (MD Marthese Bussutil LBCA) performs on Sunday November 10th, between 11 am and noon, at the Verdala Palace, Buskett, for the Family Sunday event. This concert is on the last day of 'The Three Palaces' festival, held in one of the three presidential palaces in Malta. |
Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble Concerts - Slovakia, Austriaby Herbert Scheibenreif |
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Viennese Accordion Ensemble concerts: 18.10. 7 p.m. concert in Dunajska Streda (Slovakia) during Coupe Jeunesse (Tibor’s competition) 8.11. 7.30 p.m. concert in Castle of Perchtoldsdorf 9.11. 7.30 p.m. concert of “ACCORDEANA” in Graz (Minoritensaal) For further information, email the Viennese Accordion Ensemble. |
Accordion and Harmonica Festival, Radstake - Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() The guests include Andree Arnoldussen, Wim Wiltink, Richard Oberman, Bertil Teutelink, Peter and Tity Thalau, Boarding Orchestra VAV, Harmonica Group Acinom, Varsseveldse Accordion Association, Laren Accordion Association, Moonshine duo, Region Accordion Orchestra (RAO), Styrian Harmonica Group ‘Mittwoch’, and many more. |
Vitalij Kondratenko Concert, Vilnius – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
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The highly accomplished Russian accordionist Vitalij Kondratenko, currently studying at the Gnessin Institute in Moscow, performs in concert on Sunday November 17th, 5pm, at Šv. Kotrynos bažnycia, Vilnius. |
Richard Galliano Concert, Porto Allegre – Brazilby Rob Howard |
![]() The highly accomplished and hugely popular Richard Galliano, born in France in 1950 of Italian parentage, won various international competitions including the CIA Coupe Mondiale on his way to becoming one of the world’s leading jazz accordionists. The versatile Galliano has worked with many international musicians, including French singers Charles Aznevour and Juliette Greco, Israeli accordionist Yehuda Oppenheimer, Belgian harmonica player Toots Thielemans, French jazz guitarist Birelli Lagrene, US trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, to name but a few. |
CD Reviews |
Logos Futura CD by N. Antonio Peruchby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
New Website by Gorka Hermosa - Spainby Gorka Hermosa |
![]() ghermosa01 - Paco ghermosa02 - Pater Noster These works are for sale at € 15,00 each. To be added soon to the Gorka Hermosa website are two books and his CD's. |
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