.

We have a vacancy for a shop assistant,

the applicant must have a general knowledge

 of music & musical instruments, and accordions in particular. 

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Please write to:-

 Accordions of London,
92, Loveridge Road,
London,

  NW6 2DT

Accommodation may be available.

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Norvic Concordia is the name of a Norfolk, England, based accordion quintet, led by Peter Ayers, who also arranges their music and plays bass accordion within the group. The quintet’s new CD ‘Simply Accordion’ contains a varied selection of light music. A review by UK accordionist Bert Santilly comments: “The result is a quite remarkable CD that has an entertaining and varied programme of music. The music is very well arranged and the playing is of a very high order. It should be part of any serious

accordionist`s library”.

The tracks include: ‘Old Comrades’, ‘In Party Mood’, ‘Chanson de Matin’, ‘The Phantom Melody’, ‘Tanguisimo’, ‘Chiquilin de Bachin’, ‘Extasis’, ‘Misty’, ‘Canadian Capers’, ‘Longing’, ‘Heart of Paris’, ‘Spring in Tuscany’, ‘Evensong’, ‘Standchen’, ‘March From A Little Suite’, ‘The Grasshoppers` Dance’, ‘Manha do Carnaval’, and ‘Lazzarella’.

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Review follows by UK Accordionist - Bert Santilly.

 

Norvic Concordia

But what sort of CD is it? Well the track list promised an interesting hour or so; from marches to waltzes; tangos to swing; T.V. theme music to Parisian Bal Musette; it is certainly not short on variety!

There is a degree of accuracy that tells you a lot about the preparation that must have gone into this CD. Their use of expression is subtle, Don`t go looking for overstated crescendi, diminuendi etc, you won`t find them. Instead you will hear well modulated phrasing, careful articulation, good balance between the various sections of the pieces and impressive contrast between one track and another as the CD takes you through its programme.

From this we move into “Party Mood” a radio theme tune from the 40s and 50s. The mood is easy, you almost feel you could play along with it yourself; but don`t be fooled, the easy flowing melody is the result of some very nifty playing . There is good dynamic balance between the parts and the coda is very well executed.

The next three pieces are from the pen of the great Piazzolla.  This is not easy music to play! You must know your notes well enough get beyond them and into the character of each piece. The ensemble has done really well, in my view, to feel this music in the way that they clearly demonstrate.

The third is “Extasis”. This is a more “normal” tango rhythm but with some lovely harmonies under a deceptively simple melody. The balance of parts and melody is very good with a clear attacking rhythm in the opening sequence of the tune.

The next track takes us into a completely different genre of music with “Longing”; a lyrical piece that is well played with some excellent trills very cleanly executed. You know they`re good because you hardly notice them first time round. The part playing is very clear with a good balance between melody and accompaniment. The piece concludes with a lovely rallentando and pause just before the end.

“Evensong” has a reflective balladic style about it evocative (to me) of a Victorian soirée. There is some very sensitive phrasing, and great care has been taken with the interpretation of the piece. Again there is excellent balance within the ensemble leading to a very gentle finish.

“The Grasshopper” is by way of contrast, light, almost quirky; with some lovely staccato playing, a wide range of dynamic control, and a good, precise ending. There is excellent balance between the parts – indeed a very enjoyable performance, they have really captured the spirit of the piece.

So to summarise; this is an unusual CD, there are very few British accordion quintets that perform concert programmes on a regular basis. Peter Ayers has done a huge amount of work to arrange the music; and the ensemble must have worked their socks off to learn, rehearse and finally record all eighteen tracks. When you listen to it, it is very easy to forget that this is an amateur ensemble. The result is a quite remarkable CD that has an entertaining and varied programme of music. The music is very well arranged and the playing is of a very high order. It should be part of any serious accordionist`s library.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18. 

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Music

At Let’s Polka, we’re always hesitant to play favorites (because we have so many), but we’ll heartily endorse some of our favorite records of 2008, as well as some nifty gift sets:

A Mad and Faithful Telling by DeVotchKa
Denver-based DeVotchKa broke big with their work on the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack and their latest record is another winner. Check out our review for more info and an MP3 sample.Hearts and Daggers by Miss Murgatroid and Petra Haden
A beautiful, almost otherworldly, collaboration of accordion, strings, and voices. (An excellent recommendation from our pals at Accordion Noir.)En Este Camino by Pistolera
Recently showcased on our accordion advent calendar, Pistolera’s new album ups the ante from their already impressive debut, Siempre Hay Salida.Pushing Daisies (Soundtrack) by James Dooley
The show may be teetering on the verge of cancellation, but if you enjoyed Yann Tiersen’s Amelie soundtrack, you’ll love the whimsical (and accordion-laden) score to this quirky TV show.MTV Unplugged by Julieta Venegas
Recorded in Mexico City earlier this year, this intimate show is a mix of Venegas’ new material and reworking of older songs, with help from guests like two-time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla.Squeeze Me: The Jazz and Swing Accordion Story
This was actually released in 2006, but it took me until this year to get through all four discs and 101 tracks covering the accordion’s contributions to the history of jazz. George Shearing, Art Van Damme, Gus Viseur, and many more are represented.Ayombe!: The Heart of Colombia’s Msica Vallenata
Smithsonian Folkways has more than forty titles featuring the accordion in its extensive catalog, going back to 1948. Ayombe! is a collection of two dozen seasoned vallenato performers spanning three generations, playing the paseos, merengues, sones, and puyas of their homeland.Those Darn Accordions Gift Sets
America’s top accordion rock band is offering a few holiday gift sets this year, including a CD+t-shirt pack and a buy 1 CD, get 1 free deal. A great way to introduce a loved one to TDA.They Might Be Giants Really Happy Child Bundle
They Might Be Giants also have a number of gift sets, but we’re partial to this bundle aimed at the little squeezer in your family. It includes their CD/DVDs Here Come the ABCs and Here Come the 123s, as well as their bedtime book, Bed, Bed, Bed.

Of course, it can be tough to gauge someone’s musical tastes. In that case, try a gift card from somewhere like Calabash Music, PolkaMart, or iTunes.

DVDsFilms of Les Blank
Documentarian Les Blank has been making films about American roots music and culture for more than forty years. From J’ai Ete au Bal to Chulas Fronteras to In Heaven There Is No Beer, his work is treasure trove for accordion lovers.Polka Time
A heartwarming look at Midwestern polka culture through the eyes of attendees of the Gibbon Polka Fest in tiny Gibbon, Minnesota.Charles Magnante DVD
A rare film of legendary American accordionist Charles Magnante and his trio in 1946 studio session. Magnante was (pardon the pun) instrumental in getting the accordion taken seriously as a concert instrument in the US.BooksCajun and Zydeco Dance Music in Northern California by Mark DeWitt
With dozens of bands and weekly dances at Eagle’s Hall, Ashkenaz, and other venues, the Bay Area has long had a thriving Cajun/Zydeco dance scene. From Queen Ida to Danny Poullard, Mark DeWitt’s book examines how this region became the west coast’s answer to the bayou.Grandpa’s Magical Accordion by Jessica Cherie Errico
This charming book (and accompanying CD) tells the story of two children who, as their grandfather plays his accordion, are magically transported to the countries mentioned in the songs he plays.The Giulietti Sound by Sander Neijnens
Beautiful hardcover book from the Netherlands (but written in English) on the history and performers of Giulietti accordions. It includes a CD with performances by Guy Klucevsek, William Cosby, Karen Street, and others.Golden Age of the Accordion by Ronald Flynn
This book isn’t new, but it’s the authoritative resource on U.S. accordion history from 1900 to the 1950s. Full of rare photographs, it includes histories of accordion manufacturers, schools, and service centers from across the country. (Check out the table of contents to get an idea of its coverage.)Accordion Man: The Legendary Dick Contino by Bob Bove
Another book that isn’t new, but new to me (I received it for my birthday). If you didn’t live through the “Contino era” and wondered what all the fuss is about, this book is a great primer on the rise and fall (and rebirth!) of Mr. “Lady of Spain” himself.Etcetera2009 Bay Area Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar
A beautiful, accordion-toting babe for every month of the year, plus an accompanying CD? Sign me up!Accordion Hero T-Shirt
Rock Band? Guitar Hero? Bah. Real musicians do it with their lederhosen on.Main Squeeze Tote Bag
Like us, do you live in a town where “paper or plastic?” has been replaced by “why didn’t you bring your own bag?” Save the environment and ward off stern looks from the bag boy with this accordion-emblazoned tote bag.Julius and Friends Slippers
Anna has a pair of these fuzzy slippers, which feature Paul Frank’s Julius the Monkey playing the accordion in Oktoberfest garb.Accordion Jewelry
For that special someone. Nothing says “I love you” like a pair of gold-plated accordion earrings.

For more accordion gift ideas, check out our 2006 Accordion Gift Guide, visit our Amazon store, or read our other shopping-related posts. Happy shopping… and pick up something for yourself while you’re at it!

International Accordionist - Gary Blair

 

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Sue Trevani & Pearl-Fawcett Adriano

Pictured at the recent Eastbourne Accordion Festival.

 

 

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‘Stockport Accordion Club through the years’ is a limited edition book that traces the story of Stockport Accordion Club all the way back to its origins in 1937, when the very first club was formed by local accordion teacher Jack Ridings. The book is illustrated by a wide variety of pictures that includes band photographs and most of the club’s guest artistes. The main text was written by Rob Howard, plus anecdotal contributions from playing members Graham Bullough, Christine Green, John Jones, Tony Marchell, Kevin Munster, John Nixon, Derek Pritchard, Adrienne Sharpe, John Trigg, Peter Whiteley and Dr Brennan Wilson.

This book provides a look back at organised accordion activity in Stockport since the 1930s, and is intended as the present club’s celebration of 21 years since Betty Pollard persuaded the late Clifford Wood to reform his band in June 1987.

The book will be officially launched on Wednesday November 12th, 8pm, at Stockport Accordion Club’s Club Night concert featuring the ever popular Jack Emblow and Tony Compton. The Stockport AC Band (MD Peter Whiteley) will also perform. The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1BL.

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The book will soon be available direct from Rob at  £10 + £2p/p.

Cheques should be made payable to Stockport Accordion Club.

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"Ceilidh" on Friday 19th September @ 7.30pm

Blackland Mill Bowling Club
Braehead Road, Glenburn,Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA2 8DZ

Tel: 0141 884 2980

All profits to charity organisations!

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Telephone : 0141 887 9827

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Web: http://www.accordionshowband.com/page002.html

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Congratulations from UKAO to Gary Blair Jnr. & Andrew Mortimer from the U.K.They finished 4th and 9th in the"Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music!"

Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music

 

1st. Benoit Nortier - France2nd. Alexandre Prusse - France3rd. Mathieu Barbier - France4th. Gary Blair - United Kingdom5th. Baptiste Aurine - France6th. Frederic Da Silva - France7th. Maryline Romeu - France8th. Halgrim Kvello Stake - Norway9th. Andrew Mortimer - United Kingdom10th. Aurelie Cadiou - France

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