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.… Read More
I ask this question from time to time and almost nobody answers, but what the hell, I’ll throw it out there again. I’m listening to a CD called In a Bad Mood by Geraint Watkins. You may not know Geraint Watkins by name, but if… Read More
Today I want to feature a curious instrument called the Chemnitzer concertina. This boxy contraption made its mark in Polish-American polka music, fronting bands that often also included an accordion, bass and horns. The predominant style that used this instrument was called Chicago Push. A… Read More
Uraguay. I don’t know very much about Uruguay, its history, it’s cultural traditions. A couple years ago I stumbled across a CD by a group doing traditional music from Uruguay, featuring double-row button accordion. They were called Los Gauchos de Roldán. Naturally, I ordered it… Read More
27th Street 