Let’s go down to Colombia and listen to some Vallenato. One of the greats of this form is Lisandro Mesa. Here he is, wearing an excellent outfit I might add, playing Boquita Colorada. It looks like he’s playing a Hohner Corona II in this video. Great groove. I love the call and response.

Here’s what appears to be an impromptu performance with some hot squeezebox. The video is short but still well worth a look. Did I say hot accordion? Wow, this stuff is getting me all excited. Darwin “El Brujo” Oñate.

Vallenato is happening outside of Colombia as well. Check out Very Be Careful, a great band from Los Angeles. Here are the boys in action….and here’s an interview.

Hohner has recognized the Vallenato market by introducing a squeezebox designed for the music. Love that yellow! I posted the picture just in case you’re wondering what to send old Mister Anchovy for Christmas this year. Har!

Vallenato is named after the city of Valledupar. It is folk music from the north coast of Colombia. Early bands featured flutes, then diatonic button accordion, guacharaca (like a guiro), a drum called a caja vallenata (like a bongo with an X-ray sheet instead of a leather pad) and vocals. Today, bands often have all kinds of instruments happening. I prefer the smaller bands and the more traditional approach to the music, but that’s just my taste.