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TRIBUTES & FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Accordionist Neil Fodden passes away!
Aug., 3, 2010
 Neil Fodden
Please send your tributes to Neil Fodden to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
All will be published!
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Rest in peace Uncle Neil. you and auntie Kath have always been there for me & i'm sure i'm talking on behalf of many when i say that. Heaven will already be learning dance through you Uncle Neil.
God bless you Auntie Kath, Karina and Emily. . .
God bless you Uncle Neil,
Glyn
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The Members of the Black Country Accordion & Music Clubwere very sorry to hear the sad news of Neil passing away.We know his Accordion World will continue in his memory.Special thoughts from Barry Smith and Lou Ambrose.
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Hi, Firstly, many thanks for all of your kind words following my father's passing. The funeral arrangements have now been confirmed and are as follows; Friday 7th May 2010 at 1.30pm Bretby Crematorium, Geary Lane, Bretby, Nr Burton upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 0QE and afterwards at Bretby Conference Centre, Ashby Road, Burton upon Trent, DE15 0YZ We have decided that the service should be a celebration of Dad's life and not a sombre affair and therefore, if you are able to come, please do not feel obliged to wear black if you do not wish to. Dad was a staunch supporter of our Armed Forces, particularly in their current campaign in Iraq and Afghanistan and so, we are having flowers from the immediate family only and if you wish to, donations can be made to 'Help The Heroes' in Dad's memory. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you wish to - obviously, the phone is pretty busy at the moment, but please keep trying! Kind Regards and thanks to you all Karina
Neil Fodden, the editor of the Accordion World Magazine has passed away from a stroke this morning,Tuesday April 27th 2010.
Information on his funeral will be available soon on this website - please watch this space for details!
Neil's family have asked UKAO to confirm to all Accordion World Magazine subscribers that Karina Fodden will take over the production of this excellent publication and that the next issue will be posted out, as usual, this Thursday 29th April 2010. The following magazine will be published in 2 months time, as per schedule.
All at UKAO send their best wishes to Neil's family at this very sad time. Neil will be fondly missed by all accordionists and friends throughout the United Kingdom.
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Romano Viazzani
Elaine BeechamThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Neil Fodden (1939-2010), Derbyshire – UK Rob Howard Neil Fodden, the Editor of the magazine ‘Accordion World’ passed away from a massive stroke on Tuesday April 27th 2010. Born in the North East in 1939, Neil Fodden began playing the piano accordion aged 10, and was soon playing with local bands in pubs, clubs and dance halls. In those days the acoustic music scene was quite vibrant, as the word ‘disco’ had not yet been invented. Neil’s forte was playing for ballroom and sequence dancing, and he became one of the first exponents of the electronic accordion. He recorded two LPs of dance music, ‘Stepping Out’ and ‘Stepping Out 2’, under the pseudonym Alan Neil. In the late 1960s Neil’s work as an engineer took him to live in Zambia, where he played for dances from Lusaka up to Kitwe, and also provided accompaniment for visiting artistes. For five years Neil served as Secretary of the National Accordion Organisation, and more recently, since February 2008, as Editor of the magazine ‘Accordion World’, in succession to the late David Keen. Neil is survived by wife Kath and daughter Karina. Karina Fodden, an accordionist and competitor in many NAO competitions, will take over the production of ‘Accordion World’, which will continue as before. Neil will be missed by accordionists and friends throughout the UK.
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Art Van Damme Passes Away -15th February 2010 USA
Aug., 3, 2010
 Accordions Worldwide is sad to report that accordion jazz legend Art Van Damme died on February 15, 2010. He was 89 years old. Art had been ill with pneumonia for several weeks. Art Van Damme, born April 9, 1920 in Norway, Michigan, was a world renowned jazz accordionist and one of the most famous accordionists of all time. Art Van Damme began playing the accordion at age nine and started classical study when his family moved to Chicago in 1934. In 1941 he joined Ben Bernie's band as an accordionist. He adapted Benny Goodman's music to the accordion. From 1945 to 1960 he worked for NBC, performing on The Dinah Shore Show, Tonight, The Dave Garroway Show and other radio and TV shows with Garroway. He recorded 130 episodes of the 15-minute The Art Van Damme Show for NBC Radio. Van Damme toured Europe and was also popular with jazz listeners in Japan and regularly won the domestic Downbeat reader's poll for his instrument. He also toured in Russia and New Zealand. Art Van Damme had three children and six grandchildren. Although he had retired to Florida, he continued to perform nearly to the age of 90. You can read his 2005 Celebrity Interview by clicking on his name. A nice article about his 2005 tour to Rostov-on-Don, Russia, is online too http://www.accordions.com/index/art/historical_events.shtml
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Donny & Marie - New Cd Released in UK
Aug., 3, 2010
 Click here to buy this CD! "An Audience with Donny and Marie" - Donny and Marie Osmond bring us a taste of their hugely successful Las Vegas showand answer questions from a celebrity audience..
Wednesday 11th November at 8:00pm on ITV1 London.. An Audience with Donny & Marie Osmond: For the first time in many years, the Osmond duo will be appearing together in the UK in this hour-long special for ITV1, An Audience with Donny & Marie. The musical extravaganza, hosted by Donny and Marie, will be based on their hugely successful Las Vegas stage show. They will be singing some old favourites and some new songs in front of a celebrity-packed audience. In 1976, the pair had their first US hit variety show, Donny & Marie, where they performed songs such as I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm a Little Bit Rock and Roll. They have had huge success with top 10 hits such as I’m Leaving It All Up To You and Morning Side of the Mountain. Donny and Marie say: “We are looking forward to bringing a bit of Las Vegas to the UK and performing some of our old favourites with some new surprises for our dedicated fans.” Alongside the musical segments, Donny and Marie share some anecdotes from their showbiz background and stories from their personal lives. Viewers will see Marie sing Paper Roses and Donny perform Puppy Love and the brother and sister duo even have a dance off to see who throws the best moves! Donny is flattered when Linda Lusardi reveals she had posters of him plastered all over her walls when she was younger and shares with the audience the story of when Marie and her dad had a box delivered to their hotel room. Upon opening it, they discovered a girl who was trying to get to Donny. Their father was so impressed with her dedication that he took the girl to Donny’s room, where she proceeded to scream and then pass out! Join in the music and laughter and share a fun hour in the company of two of the world’s most successful performers.
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Stockport Accordion Club Newsletter - January/February 2010
Aug., 3, 2010
 Rob Howard - please click here!
Stockport Accordion Club Newsletter - January/February 2010
President: Johnny Coleclough Vice Presidents: Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, John Nixon & Walter Perrie
Stockport AC meets on Wednesday evenings at Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel St, Woodley, Stockport SK6 1ND; MDs Dennis Pepler (SAC Band, 7 pm/8.30 pm) and Brian Jenkins (SAC Orchestra, 9pm/10.30 pm).
Our first Club Night concert of 2010…
Ken Astin meets Harry Hussey
The master harmoniser meets the master improviser!!
Well, that’s Christmas & New Year over for another year…first band practice of 2010 is on January 6th, and it’s on again with the squeezing season!
The first SAC Club Night concert of 2010 is set for Wednesday, January 13th, when we present Ken Astin and Harry Hussey. This is the first time Ken and Harry have played together as guests at an accordion club anywhere, though in 2005 they did record a fabulous CD of jazz standards titled Our Kind of Music (It’s Only A Paper Moon; Moonlight In Vermont; I Remember April; Tenderly; Our Day Will Come; But Beautiful; I’ll Be Around; Lady Be Good; My Foolish Heart/Flamingo; One Kiss; I Can’t Get Started; All of Me/S’Wonderful; London By Night; Early Autumn; Polka Dots & Moonbeams/Over The Rainbow; Girl Talk; On A Clear Day/Goody, Goody). Harry and Ken will play both duets and solo spots. Our President, Johnny Coleclough, will play a supporting spot, so in effect there will be three accordionists performing. Admission is £5, and we begin at 8pm. The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1ND (J25/M60). What a great way to begin the New Year!
Harry Hussey wants to play every accordion club in England and Wales during his 80th year, and his visit to us is part of that ambition. Ken Astin last guested for us in July 2004.
Did you know that we have been organising concerts at SAC for almost 20 years? The very first one was held on February 6th 1990 at The Hollywood Hotel, where at that time we held our band practices back in the days when we were the Clifford Wood Accordion Orchestra. Peter Whiteley bravely assumed the role of guest artiste, and the upstairs room was packed with curious visitors from all over Greater Manchester. Peter put on a great show that night, which included a musical quiz, and the Club Nights were up and running. We have now staged over 100 concerts, presenting accordion stars from many parts of the world. Later this year we have return visits from The Kyiv Duo (July 14th) and Deirdre Adamson (October 6th).
A group of us from Stockport AC travelled to Seacroft for our annual “total indulgence in accordions” weekend and it was wall to wall accordion music, and then some more. By the way, the Charles Magnante DVD sold out at Seacroft, and I am unable to get any more copies.
December was a busy month indeed for many of us. I played the accordion, French style, in Altrincham Garrick’s brilliant production of Allo Allo, followed by gigs in the Stockport Air Raid Shelters with John Jones. Adrienne Sharpe, Chris Green, Betty Molloy and Derek Pritchard did their annual Christmas gigs at a garden centre in Cheshire. The SAC Band & Orchestra performed our annual concert, in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice, at the Broken Cross Club, Macclesfield. Walter Perrie did a surprise guest spot, in his lively and charismatic style. This was our 10th consecutive year, another sell out, and a credit to organiser John Jones.
The last Club Night (October 14th) starred Oleg Sharov. The mighty Oleg played an absolute stormer, which included virtuosic versions of Lady of Spain, Blue Danube, Nutcracker Suite, and Bach’s Toccata in D Minor, the latter delivered with such majesty it was as if we were listening to a cathedral organ. He also played Russian folk songs, Spanish Capriccio, Blue Eyed Boy, Falling Leaves, Barber of Seville Overture, Rassipuokka, Take the A Train, Carnival of Venice, Oblivion, Dance of the Hora, Flick Flack, Kalinka, and – as an encore, following a standing ovation – a great arrangement of Under Paris Skies. Also performing were the SAC Orchestra, Justin Ryan, Brennan Wilson, Ray Peacock, and Ann Parker.
Oleg stayed overnight with Marj & I, and in the morning, after breakfast, practised for a couple of hours. I spent some time watching the maestro, and it was quite an education. It suddenly dawned on me that it was the first time since I took up the accordion in 1968 that I had ever actually seen anyone else practising! Watching Oleg was a study in concentration. He did not stop or speak or demur from the task, staying entirely focused. I don’t think he played any of his pieces in full, but kept taking extracts, beginnings and endings, and working carefully through them. He would take phrases and even single bars, and play them at different speeds over and over again - sometimes up to 20 times in succession. His thoroughness left nothing to chance, and left me in no doubt exactly why he is such a world renowned concert artiste.
Spelder (Jim Molyneux – accordion, Catriona Price – fiddle, and Toby Kearney - bodhran) perform in the Cafe Bar at the Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD, on Thursday January 7th, 9.30pm. Admission is free. This concert is part of the RNCM Chamber Music Festival. Spelder play an exciting mix of folk music from across the British Isles, blending their strong traditional roots with contemporary influences.
Our AGM takes place on Wednesday February 17th, 8pm. The Committee will be up for re-election, and this is an opportunity for all paid-up band members to have their say on how the club is run and/or stand for election. All elected positions are up for grabs, including mine!
Heather Smith’s ‘Accordions International 2010’ takes place at the Norbreck Castle, Blackpool, May 9th to 14th. This festival previously took place at Pontins, which closed in October; no details as yet, but watch this space for further info…
For sale: Primo 5-row Continental chromatic button accordion - black, 67 treble keys, 60 bass, C system; excellent condition - home use only, with case. Cost £500 new, sell for only £200. An ideal first time instrument for anyone considering switching from piano to Continental button accordion. Also, a Gremlin mandolin, in sunburst finish with D hole; excellent condition - home use only; cost £120 from Hobgoblin, sell for £50. Contact Bernard Wrigley on 01204 697 716; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ;
For sale: Akkord 2 voice, 80 bass piano accordion, dark red pearl finish, white straps. Hardly played, and excellent value at only £125; contact Paul Crowther 07803 013992 (Knutsford); email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tommy Scruton has transferred from LP to CD many otherwise unobtainable classic recordings by accordion greats such as Leo Aquino, Giacomo Bogliolo, Renaldo Capaldi, Ernie Felice, Tommy Gumina, Martin Lukins, Christian di Maccio, Charles Magnante, Gervasio Marcosignori, Herbie Marks, Johnny Meijer, Russ Messina, John Molinari, Toralf Tollefsen, and Rudolph Wurthner. Each comes complete with the original covers and artwork, and the list of what is available is constantly expanding. These CDs are available for a modest £7 each; for details tel (0161) 789 3799; email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For all accordion, melodeon or concertina repairs (incl electronic or MIDI), tunings, conversions, etc, tel Roy Whiteley on 01565 723 080; website: www.accordionmagic.comLocal accordion teachers include: Tony Marchell – piano accordion or guitar, tel 0161 434 1933; Craig Bradley – 5-row button, piano accordion or piano, tel 0161 972 0248; Tommy Scruton – piano accordion, tel 0161 789 3799. Okay, that’s the gossip for now. I hope you can make it along when Ken Astin meets Harry Hussey, for what will be yet another great concert… Rob Howard (0161) 480 8858; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Accordion websites: UKAccordions - www.ukaccordions.co.uk and Accordions Worldwide - www.accordions.com
Extras - yes, there’s more…
Seamus Shannon
Johnny Coleclough was invited to a birthday party for Tommy Joyce at the Bolton Irish Centre, featuring the music of Seamus Shannon. Seamus had a stroke a couple of years ago, and at the time it seemed his playing days were in doubt, so it is great news that he is back in action.
John Mackenzie
In November I attended the funeral of John Mackenzie, who was one of our club’s greatest supporters. John played several instruments, and once led his own semi-pro dance band. In recent years he was afflicted by Parkinson’s Disease, yet continued to come to our Club Night concerts. I received an email from his son, Andy, who commented: “…his trips to your club (when he was well) were the highlight of his month. Your books too were a source of enjoyment - I found a well thumbed volume in his bedside drawer when I emptied his nursing home room yesterday. His love of the accordion, particularly the jazz stylings of Jack Emblow and Harry Hussey continued way past his ability to play himself. This frustration was evident as he wouldn't consider selling his instruments ‘just in case they find a cure for me’.
When everything has settled down I will contact you to see if his instruments are of any interest to the club members but in the meantime thanks again for bringing some sunshine into his later years”. R.I.P.
Classic recordings now available on CD…
Probably most accordionists in this country above a certain age grew up playing the music of Toralf Tollefsen, Charles Magnante, Martin Lukins, Marcosignori, etc, and listening avidly to their superb records. With the passing of time the recordings of these great masters has long since disappeared from the record shops and the adverts in the accordion magazines. However, as mentioned above, Tommy Scruton has now rescued the situation by making available his priceless collection of non-copyright LPs, EPs, 78s and cassettes on CD – truly an education in quality accordion playing! Coming soon on CD are the Destefano Brothers plus another Tollefsen, with various others in the pipeline. This is an unprecedented opportunity to catch up with this classic ‘gold’. Here’s the CD titles list to date:
Charles Magnante: Accordiana; Accordiana 2; Accordion Pops Concert; Accordion Variety Concert; Charles Magnante Plays the Accordion; Magnante in Concert; Virtuoso Accordion; Accordion at its Best; Accordion Bellicosity; Accordionist; Cocktail Sketches; Wizard of the Accordion Johnny Meier: Spotlight on the Accordion No 2
John Molinari: Accordion Concert; Accordion Solos Volume5; Accordion Variety Concert; Classic Favourites Tommy Gumina & Buddy de Franco: The Girl From Ipanema
Toralf Tollefsen: Accordion Evergreens; Popular Classics; Spotlight Accordion; Accordion A La Carte; 78s Compilation (volumes 1 and 2) Christian Di Maccio: Recital in Copenhagen
Rudolph Wurthner: Accordiorama: Marianne Probst Accordion
Leo Aquino: Leo Aquino plays Frosini Giacomo Bogliolo: The Virtuoso of the Accordion
Renaldo Capaldi: Pure Accordion Russ Messina: Accordion in the Modern Mood
Herbie Marks: The Magic Accordion of Herbie Marks – Down Mexico Way
Martin Lukins: Accordion Magic Sergei Matusewitch: Accordion – Concertina Recital
Ernie Felice: Cocktail Time; Accordion Powerhouse Gervasio Marcosignori: Portrait
Folk Music Workshop
The Folk Music Workshop meets on the first Friday of the month at Salford University (room 824, 8th floor). Founded in 1977 by fiddle player Milly Chadband, the meetings provide a focal point for instrumentalists who are interested in developing/practising their skills in playing folk dance music. Contact Steve or Ishbel Saxton on 0161 860 7857 for further information.
I have been a member since 1981, and other members from Stockport AC have included Peter Whiteley, Adrienne Sharpe, Roy & Dot Hamlet, Ralph Hayes, Rosemary and the late Alan Breeze, John Trigg, and the late John Shaw. Players of the accordion, concertina, melodeon, fiddle, flute, guitar, banjo, or any other instrument are welcome, and all meetings begin at 8pm. Here’s the 2010 meetings info:
2010 Folk Music Workshop programme:
January 8th – Martin Dunn: “Music from the North East”
February 5th - Tom Ryan: “Bringing us banjo music that we can all join in with”
March 5th – AGM + music from the folk music workshop repertoire
April 9th - Milly Chadband: “New tunes for old dances”
May 7th - Adrienne Sharpe: “Music from the folk music workshop repertoire”
June 4th - Steve and Ishbel Saxton: “Entente Chord-i-al: a mixture of English & French music”
July 2nd - Barbara Doyle: “Music for a summer evening”
August – no meeting
September 3rd - John Trigg: “Scottish dance music”
October 1st – Brian Peters: “Music of the North West (and more)”
November 5th - Peter MacMillan: “Music with a bang!”
December – Christmas party An A to the Z of the Accordion, Volume 4Just in case you somehow haven’t noticed, An A to the Z of the Accordion, Volume 4 was published last May. As with its predecessors, Volume 4 took a vast amount of time to research, write and edit, and concludes this series, which began in 2003. The articles include Accordion, Accordion - a few playing tips; Accordion in Retrospect; Accordion Manufacturing Process; Accordion Museum (by Caroline Hunt); The accordion with other instruments (by Ingrid Gould); All Accordion Scotland Champions; Beltona Records; Chartres Accordion Festival; The Jazz Accordionists; Diatonic Musings (by George Garside); The Double Acts; The International Stars (by Gary Blair); Irish Traditional Playing (by Frances O’Rourke); The Anglo-Italian Connection; Memories of Don Destefano (by Tony Compton); Memorising (by Conway Graves); Paris Musette; Playing at the UK Championships (by Ann Parker); Playing From Piano Music (by Gerald Crossman); Getting to grips with the Roland V Accordion; The Serious Performer (by Douglas Ward); The Shand Morino (by Roy Magna); Tales & Trivia; Tips for Practising and Playing Solos (by Gerald Crossman), etc. Biographies include Marcel Azzola, Brian Bayliss, Elaine Beecham, Ivan Black, James Coutts, Blair Douglas, Don Destefano, Rico Destefano, Emilio, Neil Fodden, Richard Galliano, Adrienne Griffiths, Thom Hardacre, Ron Hodgson, Eddy Jay, Shona Kipling, Maurice Larcange, Margaret Mitchell, Owen Murray, Dermot O’Brien, Mairtin O’Connor, Billy Reid, Donal Ring, Will Starr, Emile Vacher, Valentino, Romano Viazzani, Douglas Ward, and more. The book is fully illustrated throughout, hardback, and costs £15 (UK – post free); cheque/PO payable to Rob Howard; or via Paypal); available from Rob Howard, 42 Avondale Road, Edgeley, Stockport, Cheshire SK3 9NY. Special offer: the complete set, Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4, can be bought for only £40, post free (UK only), 3 books for £30, or 2 books for £20.
Harry Hussey…Stockport AC’s longest serving member??!!
Harry Hussey, born in London, was evacuated to Stockport during the Blitz, and lived in Adswood. The original Stockport Accordion Club, based in Offerton, was dissolved following the outbreak of war…too late for Harry’s participation. This nonetheless raises the hypothetical and intriguing question that if Harry had been able to join SAC in 1940, would he now be the club’s longest serving surviving member??
DVDs of the 2003 Macclesfield concert available
John Higham has transferred the video of the 2003 SAC Band & Orchestra Macclesfield concert on to DVD, and has displayed great generosity in giving these away to club members as Christmas presents. He says: “I still have a few DVDs of the 2003 concert if anyone else wants one”. Contact John on 0161 928 5994 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Television stardom beckons for Leo and Derek…
At the end of November, at very short notice, SAC members were invited to the Trafford Centre to participate in the filming of a TV advert for ‘Tmobile’ phones. Derek Stubbs and Leo Hickey turned up and stayed the full course of rehearsals and filming. Leo described the experience: “It was an experience of pleasant chaos throughout - apart from standing with accordion attached for 3.5 hours. There were 2.5 other accordionists: David Batty, from Leyland AC, a girl from Blackpool, and Rebecca, daughter of Anne Parker. We played exactly 7 notes in the 3.5 hours, but we played them a few thousand times!” On Christmas Day, at the end of Coronation St about 9pm, I saw the advert, spotting David Batty and Rebecca Parker amongst a very large number of instrumentalists. However, those 3.5 hours rehearsing/filming were compressed into about 3.5 seconds (possibly even less!) of screen time, and though I’ve seen the advert a twice more since, I haven’t yet spotted our intrepid two, Leo or Derek. Probably I will need to start recording just the adverts for a while… The April Club Night
Finally, I have the very good news that I have just booked David Vernon, from Edinburgh, to play for us as our guest artiste on Wednesday April 21st. Those of you who saw David Vernon last year at the ‘Accordions International 2009’ festival at Pontins, Blackpool, will know just what a class act he is – not only a brilliant and very entertaining accordionist, but also a very funny bloke…and all clean humour, too! His repertoire is very broad and includes music from around the world. The night before our Club Night, April 20th, David Vernon is the guest at North Staffs AC. He’s well worth seeing twice!!
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Accordion Gift Guide 2009
May, 27, 2010
 Picking up an iPad this weekend? Fortunately, time spent with your shiny new toy doesn’t have to mean time spent away from the accordion. Alex Komarov has developed a new app called Accordon which allows you to simulate playing an accordion on your iPad. At $3.99 — plus at least $499 for an iPad — it’s cheaper than a Roland FR-7, but probably not as fun to play.See also: Play Accordion On Your iPhone
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La Bottine Souriante
May, 27, 2010
 For years I've been searching for some high quality film of one of my favourite bands La Bottine Souriante. And finally some of them are starting to surface on YouTube.This appears to be a video from way back in 1994, from the classic line-up.And this is a different line-up, but still great, playing live in 2004.And this seems to be yet another line-up, playing in 2009.If you get a chance to see them live then I urge you to go, they are probably the 2nd best band that I've ever seen. |
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Harry Hussey "80th Birthday Year Tour" visits Burgess Hill, West Sussex - Frid. Nov 20th - 7.30pm
Nov., 17, 2009
 Harry Hussey 80 Years Young!!!!!! UK's top accordionist Harry Hussey is the guest artiste at The Burgess Hill Keyboard Club Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, Friday 20th November 2009 @ 7.30pm Admission is just £4.00 Information: Rosalie Birchmore Telephone: 01444-241269 Tea/Coffee/Cake & Biscuits - Club Raffle Ample Free Car Parking in the Cyprus Road Car Park. Harry Hussey is celebrating his 80th Birthday Year (13th September 2009 - 13th September 2010) by visiting as many of the UK's Accordion & Keyboard Clubs that he can. He will be raising money on this "Birthday Year Tour" in aid of the charity
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NAO Composers’ Competition, 2010
Nov., 17, 2009
 NAO Composers’ Competition, 2010Entries are invited for the NAO Composers’ Competition to be held at the UK Championships, Blackpool, on the 25th April, 2010Entries, which can be for any of the following sections, should be submitted by the 28th February:· Professional Solo· Amateur Solo· Junior Solo 18 and under (for those currently studying for A levels / higher), · Junior Solo 16 and under (for those currently studying for GCSE / Standards)· Junior Solo 12 and under· Duet/EnsembleA recording of the composition is required with the entry and the composer should be either prepared to play the piece at the event or arrange for someone else to do so. If no player is available the recording may be used as a last resort.Full definitions and rules are attached and are also available on the following link - Click Here! This will be the second year for the competition to be held by the NAO, being previously organized by the North Staffs Accordion Club. In 2009 the event whilst not attracting quantity, attracted good quality entries. Winners of the previous competition back in 2006, Martina Schwartz and Ian McColl both defending their respective professional and amateur titles with new compositions.One new aspect that must be an attraction to potential composers is the opportunity to have their work published or used as NAO test pieces in future years. From the last competition the following are being published by Charnwood Music Publishing Company:¾ “Belle Sourire” by Karolyn Broadhead, prizewinner in the Professional Category¾ “The Solitary Reaper” (to be renamed “Celtic Legend”) by Sue Coppard another prizewinner in the Professional Category, ¾ “Teddy’s in Town” by Ian McColl prizewinner of the Amateur Category and ¾ “Jessica’s Jest” by Steve Hughes prizewinner of the Ensemble Category.Whilst there were no entries in the Junior Section at the event in 2009 many young accordionists took an interest in this new NAO competition given work they were undertaking in schools for examinations. As a result, the NAO Executive has amended the structure creating new sections (as listed above) to take on board the different level of school examinations. It is now planned to host this competition on a regular annual basis during the UK Championships event and the NAO are sure that this category of competition will develop to provide quality new repertoire for the accordion. Continuity is being maintained from the North Staffs Accordion Club event through use of the same trophies. NAO National Composers’ Competition Rules 2010THE COMPETITION(S)· The composition must be played on an acoustic accordion with either a button or piano keyboard.· Pieces can be written in any style eg. Classical, Blues or Jazz style suitable for any age group but must not be arrangements of already published material.· The composer may not necessarily be a single person. A composition by a partnership or group of people is acceptable Section 1 SOLO(a) Professional Solo (CS1)For a composition (unpublished) by an entrant who has won the Amateur Section (as organised by the North Staffs Accordion Club / NAO) on two consecutive occasions, or on 1st January 2010: (a) teaches music for a living, either on a part-time or full time basis, or (b) has had two or more compositions published for purchase in their own right i.e. not just an inclusion in a Magazine.(b) Amateur Solo (CS2)For a composition (unpublished) by an entrant who does not fall under the definition of “professional” above, irrespective of age.(c) Junior Solo (CS3)For a composition (unpublished) by an entrant falling under the “amateur” definition aged 18 and under (as of the 30th April 2010) This Junior section will be subdivided into age groups: 18 & Under (for those currently studying for A levels / higher), 16 & Under (for those currently studying for GCSE / Standards) and 12 & Under - subject to the number of entries.)Section 2 DUET / ENSEMBLE (CE)For a composition (unpublished) written for two, three or more accordion parts.All entries will also be graded by the NAO and the adjudicators will be asked to consider their suitability for submission (if subsequently published) to the NAO Music Committee as Test Pieces in NAO sections in future years. Solo / Duet compositions would also be submitted to the BCA for consideration in future examination syllabi. ENTRIES(a) Official Entry Forms must be used (available from 1st December 2009), which must reach the NAO by the 28th February 2010, accompanied by the appropriate Fees - Reduced entry fee concessions apply only to fully paid up NAO members. (b) A recorded version, CD, DVD or Audio Cassette should accompany the Entry Form. (Candidates are encouraged to take care with the quality of the recording).RULES(a) All competitors must be UK citizens or residents.(b) The composition is to be entirely original and not breach any copyright.(c) The composition may be for single or multiple accordion, or accordion with other instrument(s) where the accordion Predominately takes the lead.(d) Compositions submitted are to be no more than 5 minutes in duration.(e) Competitors may enter at most TWO compositions into each section.(f) It is strongly advised that entrants ORGANISE for their composition to be performed live at the competition which will be held on Sunday 25th April 2010 in the Metropole Hotel, Blackpool. This avoids a problem if no player is available to play the piece the submitted recording being used as a substitute. (g) Bass stave [with chords depicted as either a) a single note plus chord symbol, or b) chord, with or without the chord symbol] must be included.(h) Lyrics may be included but it is the music that will be judged only. Care not to exceed the 5 minute maximum time limit should be taken when numerous verses are included.(i) It would be ideal if the Composition is submitted in Computer format however a hand-written submission on manuscript paper is acceptable. Neat work is requested and points may be deducted for untidy submissions. The piece should have its name, the name of the composer(s), and include the words “Copyright” followed by composer’s name and the year. During the Competition the Composition will be known only by a number, the Composers name will not be known to the Adjudication Panel or Audience.(j) A recording CD or DVD of the entry is to be included with the accordion part played on acoustic accordion with no electronic accompaniment (other than bass and/or Electronium in the case of a band or group). This recording is not judged as part of the competition but is required a) to confirm that the composition is playable, and b) as a guide to the adjudicator as to what is intended by the composer and c) if no player is available to play the piece at the live performance the recording may be used as a substitute. ADJUDICATION Will be under the auspices of the NAO - The competition is for the best composition, not the best performance.Subject to the number of entries an Elimination process may apply prior to the event.The results will be an average of the Adjudicators marks. The Adjudicator’s report will award total points taking into consideration Technical Accuracy—Originality—Overall Content— Edit — Form—PresentationPROTESTS connected with this category must made in writing and handed to the organiser before the end of the festival. In an event of the dispute not being resolved during the festival, a formal written protest may be sent within one month to the NAO Secretariat, who will refer the matter to the Executive Committee for arbitration. Their decision will be final.In the event of any entry knowingly or otherwise breaching copyright it will be withdrawn after consultation with the Composer concerned.
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Accordions International - Great Success!
Nov., 17, 2009
 Full report to follow with photos of this magnificent event that took place last weekend at Seacroft, Hemsby Norfolk. The event was well supported, with a virtual 100 percent increase on visitors numbers from last year. The event ran like clockwork and the variety of artistes both International and Home Bred did not dissappoint the many hundreds of visitors to this wonderful accordion weekend. Malcom Gee would certainly have been proud the way that Heather Smith has continued to develop on his his original "Caister Festival" festival format. Jack Emblow The Guv'ner is at "Accordions International" ACCORDIONS INTERNATIONAL 2009 . 13th-16th November 2009 A Weekend FULL of Accordion Magic! . Last Minute Reservations: Tel: 01780 782093 - Ask for Sue! Jack Emblow (The Guv'ner) & Tony Compton Wayne Robertson Giancarlo Caporilli
Gianni Mirizzi
Gennaro Ruffolo
Harry Hussey
Bert Santilly Peter Ayers Norvic Concordia
Workshops
Masterclasses Orchestras
Jam Sessions
Busking Trade Stands
Dance & Cabaret in the Evenings. . Alan Young will demonstrate the Roland FR7XAccordion at Accordions International 2009 . . Alan Young will demonstrate the Roland FR7XAccordion at Accordions International 2009 . .
13th-16th November2009 and now brilliantly organised by Heather Smith. . Malcolm Gee & Danielle Pauly . A fabulous new venue - The Seacroft Holiday Village - for our pre Christmas annual Accordion Extravaganza. Enjoy this weekend of total accordion indulgence and relax with your friends in these delightful surroundings. The cost includes full board,full table service, and a choice of accomodation: Economy - Standard - Crown - Premier Class. All venues are ground level, making it ideal for the more mature/disabled accordion enthusiasts. . . . Last Minute Bookings Call Sue on 01780 782093 . .
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City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and 6 accordionists!
Nov., 17, 2009
 Hi Everyone To anyone in the area tonight and tomorrow night (14th/15th October) Birmingham sees 6 accordionists team up with the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for a cracking concert featuring Prokoviev's Cantata on the 20th anniversary of the october revolution. The accordions are played by Owen Murray and 5 of his students of the RAM and the technically difficult parts normally played by 8 accordionists are made all the more difficult when they are covered by only 6 accordionists. Well worth seeing and hearing this marvellous work. Also on the programme is Berlioz's wonderful Requiem - Grand Messe Des Morts, which utilises huge orchestral forces all ably conducted by Giergiev Marinsky. All the best Romano Two great orchestras and choruses come together for a once-in-a lifetime event when East meets West under conductor Valery Gergiev – memorably described as “so highly charged that you could probably run the National Grid from a cable attached to his baton” (The Times). Berlioz’s Requiem is one of the most gigantic works in the repertoire, with four extra brass bands; and Prokofiev’s Cantata includes an accordion ensemble, alarm bells, cannon-shots, sirens and a speaker with megaphone who is the voice of Lenin.BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: “Concert-goers who spy Russian conductor Valery Gergiev on the programme need never hesitate, particularly if repertoire like this is involved! This concert is sure to be the ultimate roof-raiser.”Listen to the Classic FM podcast hereThis concert is promoted jointly by the CBSO and THSH (and also forms part of the CBSO Season).
Special discounts apply – please check when booking.
Choir, Stalls front four rows, Grand Tier Boxes, Upper Circle Boxes, Platform Boxes and Chorus Boxes not available.14 and 15 October 6.15pm Pre-concert talk – Prokofiev and Berlioz
An introduction to tonight’s epic programme.£5 – £48
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Craven Accordion Orchestra - Oleg Sharov - Sell-Out Success!
Nov., 17, 2009
 Олег Шаров - Баян гения
Oleg Sharov pictured above at Glusburn Institute - North YorkshireLast night (Tuesday 13th October 2009) over a hundred people were treated to an exhibition of the highest quality of musicianship at Glusburn Institute, in North Yorkshire. Oleg Sharov, Senior Professor of Music at the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatory of Music, St Petersburg was guest artiste at a concert hosted by the Craven Accordion Orchestra. Oleg's repertoire consisted of classic numbers like Bach’s Toccata in D minor and Largo al Factotum from the Barber of Seville through to jazz standards like Take the A train. He also used the occasion to introduce us to newer accordion works. This was complemented by some wonderful arrangements of Russian Folk songs. The evening came to a close with an exquisite performance of Astor Piazolla’s Oblivion. The comments of accordionists and non accordionists alike were unanimous in their enjoyment of the evening. Report by Graham Waterhouse, Craven Accordion Orchestra.
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West Sussex Accordion Club - Meetings
Nov., 17, 2009
 West Sussex Accordion Club - "Players Evenings" Meeting dates as follows: Thursday 19th November - 7.00pm Thursday 10th December - 7.00pm Thursday 21st January - 7.00pm Thursday 11th February - 7.00pm The "Players Evenings" will be held at The Rider Hall Lounge, St Andrew's Church, Cants Lane, Burgess Hill,
West Sussex, RH15 0LG All accordionists are welcome to attend (please bring your accordion with you), for further information or directions to the hall, please call Sue on 01444-239656
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The Corner Laughers, Ultraviolet Garden
Nov., 17, 2009
 Our friends, The Corner Laughers, have just released their second album, Ultraviolet Garden, available from their website and iTunes. Anna is featured playing accordion on one track, and she also did the album art!During production of the track “Dead Sicilians,” the band brought Anna (and her accordion) on board to give the song an authentic Italian feel. From the decorative accents to the frenzied climax, the accordion really packs a punch. Check it out!The Corner Laughers: Dead Siciliansmp3
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MP3 Monday: Bette & Wallet
Nov., 17, 2009
 Bette & Wallet is the Canadian duo of Mary Beth Carty (accordion) and Gabriel Ouellette (fiddle, guitar). Hopping seamlessly between English and French, Bette & Wallet mix their Nova Scotian and Qubcois roots with klezmer, Cajun, Irish, and blues to create a colorful musical patchwork you can dance to. Mary Beth uses the term ‘musique recycle’ to describe their music — the art of combining traditional melodies with contemporary folklore — and its an apt description for their vibrant, authentic brand of folk. The duo has already earned Canadian Folk Music Award nominations and invitations to festivals in France and Canada.Bette & Wallet: Squeegeesmp3Buy Voici… by Bette & Wallet
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Announces
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Jun., 21, 2018
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Dear collegues, see our latest updates: Hector Villa-Lobos, Samuel Barber, Astor Piazzolla, Pietro Frosini, Hans Brehme, Oscar Peterson, Art Van Damme, Jack Fina, Luiz Bonfa, Yann Tiersen etc. Accordionist.Net is extending its special offer “50+” until end of the summer.
Besides some very special tango arrangements for bandoneon (accordion) and strings published:
A. Piazzolla - Cuatro estaciones portenas →
C. Gardel - Volver y Soledad →
M. Mores - Tanguera →
H. Stamponi - Un Momento →
J. Plaza - Nocturna →
A. Villoldo - El Choclo →
J. Pane - Un vals para Martita →
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Feb., 22, 2018
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Dear accordionists,
see our latest updates on Accordionist.Net: H. Villa-Lobos, Samuel Barber, Astor Piazzolla, Pietro Frosini, Hans Brehme, A. Piazzolla, Oscar Peterson etc.
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