A diamond in the rough.... from my vinyl vault: Bill Costa's, "La Bella Italia"

Bill Costa's, "La Bella Italia".

I picked up this little gem off of Ebay. It's definitely a straight forward album and what you see is what you get: classic Italian folk tunes arranged for tradtional accordion instrumental versions. This is a highly affordable record-- you can usually find a perfectly well functioning copy of it for $3 or $4 online-- and the material itself is a steal for that price. It's a cheap one, but a good one!

The record kicks off properly upbeat with one of  the most famous Italian tunes ever, "Tarantella Napolitana" and then into the lovely, "O Sole Mio"-- a beautiful song that has been reinterpreted countless times by so many artists (Rachid Taha's is perhaps my favorite-- his style mixes Raï and world combined with elements of rock, and he covered it and gave it a very middle eastern feel that is really unique and definitely worth checking out!)-- but when it comes to an accordion instrumental take on it, this one takes the cake.

The backing band consists of gentle acoustic guitar, light bass, light percussion, and vibraphone-- some tracks boast an occasional pinch of jazz, but overall this record keeps it in a traditional pocket for these italian standards. Additional highlights of the album take place on side B with the gorgeous soaring of, "Sorrento" and the fun bouncy folk of, "Funiculi Funicula", and the wonderful version of, "Arrivederci Roma".

Back of, "La Bella Italia".

As for Bill Costa himself he has a few other similar records available, such as, "Holiday And Rome", "Bill Costa and His Accordion", and one or two others I've seen online out there. Surprisingly, other than the records themselves on Ebay and Amazon-- I can't really find any other information on him. Luckily the back of this record alone clues us in a bit: he went to Julliard, worked and appeared on both NBC and ABC television, appeared in a decent list of jazz quartets, recorded with: Sammy Kaye, Dorothy Collins, Ben Selvin, and Jerry Jerome-- that sums up a decent chunk of the bio on the back of the album.

All in all, this is a great affordable fun album of authentic Italian folk tunes as accordion instrumentals-- it'd be an excellent addition to the collection of anyone interested in collecting specifically Italian, world music in general, could slightly interest some jazz fans perhaps, accordion enthusiasts, or even just if your looking to branch out your collection with something new of this caliber that you didn't dabble in before; in which case, this would be a perfect starting point.

A diamond in the rough.... from my vinyl vault: Jo Basile & His Orchestra, "Play Music From The Hit Musical Cabaret"

Jo Basile's accordion covers of, "Cabaret"

I picked up this particular record on a special trip to meet my girlfriend/now fiance's parents for the first time, and also to help her drive her car back from Texas. On the way back we stopped to visit her brother in Missouri before coming back to Virginia, and while we were there we stopped at an antique place near her brother's house where I was lucky enough to score this Jo Basile album.

The title basically says it all, but for those who aren't familiar with Jo Basile and his albums; what is quite peculiar about this album is that he often just does accordion instrumentals of folk/world music and each album usually tends to just focus on one country/ethnic style at a time. Never before have I seen or heard of him doing a musical, usually he always sticks to a certain country as the basic theme per each album. So common was this particular stance of his, that I don't know if besides this and the, My World album (Jo Basile also played clarinet- but often did not mention, reveal, or perform any clarinet on any of his other albums much at all or possibly ever- except the My World album).

Basile continually churned out countless incredible albums with various standards from around the globe and performing them into beautiful arrangements for accordion from one album to the next. This album is no exception, except for its focus being on the musical, Cabaret. If you've ever seen the famous film verison of the musical with Liza Minnelli, then you already should be aware that its a perfect fit for the accordion; due to its usage of it in various scenes throughout the duration of the film.

The main theme itself soars beautifully as the record first starts spinning; the backing music of this manages to be both aligned with what you would expect and somewhat parallel to the film version, but somehow more energetic and sincere and minus the comedic aspects. Basile's version of the title track is in itself a showstopper, full of pizazz and excellent showmanship. Things then get to a finger-snapping groove with the swinging number of, "Don't Tell Ma". A transition into, "Pineapple" starts with a bouncy and circus-like introduction; flowing into a smooth calming moment before coming full circle where it started. "What Would You Do" is both mysterious and suspenseful; full of ticking and clacking in the backing percussion before fading into the cheery, "Meeskite". "Meeskite" is a particularly neat number, with equal amounts of swing and melody, both catchy, and also boasting a nice saxophone solo.

Back of cover.

As we flip to side B, the charm continues with, "Willkommen"- a rather addictive melody, and quite a climatic point of the album, appropriately placed at this middle moment of the record. Things take an exciting melodic turn with the enchanting moods of, "Married" with its bicycle-bells and light waltz backing rhythm, fluttering melody fills with the main melody re-inserted by the light and breezy lead guitar. This then blends like musical camouflage into, "So What?" where the chorus picks up with a loud crashing energetic rather fast waltz chorus, complete with a booming tuba as the backbone of the alternating bass line. The record comes to a close with the light, "Tomorrow Belongs To Me", a pretty little number that helps the record give this instrumental dedication to Cabaret the perfect touch with the final ring out being the closing curtain of another show well done. Jo Basile's albums are always a delight, never a dull moment. As far as accordion instrumental albums go, his are always a must. In fact, he's pretty underrated compared to say Frankie Yankovic or Dick Contino for example; his music is just as talented and just as skillful, and arguably is melodically and stylistically more beautiful.

A diamond in the rough...... from my vinyl vault: Mel Brandt's, "Accordion Favorites".

Mel Brandt's, "Accordion Favorites"

I have to admit I don't know much about Mel Brandt, and I don't know if this is the same Mel Brandt as the SNL guy or not- which is who comes up when you google the name- I'm assuming probably not- but to be honest, I know nothing about the SNL Mel-Brandt to know if this the same person or not. I'm also not totally sure if this is his only record or not, but if there ever were others- I can't find any trace or record of anything else on the internet- and as far as I can tell, sadly this is the only one. However, on the bright side this record- is an incredible accordion instrumental and definitely a diamond in the rough in my collection. I often seek out various accordion instrumental records in thrift stores, as luckily they aren't in demand and usually go for cheap- typically $1 to $3- so if you happen to stumble upon a thrift store with a ton of vinyl, you can find a decent handful of some interesting finds for little money. This one though, was actually one I bought off Amazon for a change. I received mine in excellent condition- plays perfectly, very slight wearing on the sleeve. It's not necessarily rare, but I've never been lucky enough to stumble on it in person, so I got it fairly cheap for $7, which is slightly higher than I'd pay in a thrift, but then again no one else had it- and given it was incredible shape, it was a fair deal.I was particularly interested in it for its song selection, though I hadn't heard this one- I simply collect accordion instrumentals from the get go- on top of which, this one I noticed contained two favorites of mine, "Dark Eyes" a wonderful Russian tune, and though there are many countless versions of this song- both accordion versions, along with hundreds of others in general- it's always a song with hearing, no matter how many reinterpretations of it there are. Also, the song, "Fascination" which I had at the time recently started to play myself, and is also simply a song I really love. It's just a beautiful simple instrumental, but its very peaceful and memorable and well written, just soaring strong melodies- so I knew this recorded version of that song would be interesting, and of course it's beautiful! As an added bonus too, the version I bought (and it doesn't seem to rare- but neat nevertheless) the disc itself is a really nice looking bright transparent sorta gold and yellow color, I know its also out there in regular black too- I'm not aware of any other colors. Sometimes this costs extra, so it was just icing on the cake that it didn't seem to cost more because of this. Then again, its not like this record is in demand, but eh- fine by me- I really love it.

Beautiful transparent golden yellow disc

As for the material on the record itself- its wonderful. "Besame Mucho" was another reason the record interested me, its a Mexican song (I used to play it actually- and think I remember it too- or most of it)- I've heard one or two other recorded accordion instrumental versions of it as well- the record itself consists of: as mentioned before: "Fascination", "Dark Eyes", and "Besame Mucho"- and also: "Maria Elena", "You Belong To My Heart", "Perfidia", "Tico Tico", "Adios Muchachos", "Come Back to Sorrento", "Humoresque", "Barcarolle", and "Song of India". Sure as far as accordion instrumental records go, yes this is somewhat typical and these are basically standards if you will; not dissimilar to Ella Fitzgerald and a hundred other jazz vocalists doing countless versions of, "Makin' Whoopee", "Honeysuckle Rose", or, "Dream a Little Dream", etc.

It's not the fact that these have been done before that matters, its the fact that these are amazing versions- and quite possibly- arguably some of the best accordion standard versions recorded of these batch of songs around. The melodies prevail and don't fall short due to an over assertiveness of showmanship and cramming as many notes as possible- don't get me wrong- there is plenty of flair when it comes to the musicianship; just not showing off simply for the sake of showing off- and that allows the songs to breathe and be the gorgeous melodies that they are. That's what made this particular instrumental record stand out to me. Mel Brandt certainly didn't do anything groundbreaking or reinvent any wheels, etc. The bottomline is he made a fantastic and beautifully melodic instrumental record, one that will never leave my collection, as the melodies float freely and prove it worth of every spin the needle makes around it.

Valov Accordion X-mas party!!!!

Jocque playing at Valov xmas party.

The accordion club I'm in, VaLov (Accordion Lovers of Virginia) had its Christmas party this last Sunday- which was AWESOME!!!!! It was so much fun- though I don't usually even care much for Christmas tunes, Sid's jazzy version of, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and Tip's dark/Russian-like version of a an xmas tune that embarrassingly I can't recall which one he did at the moment were both highlights! When it comes to Christmas songs you've never heard them like this! It was a blast!

Not to mention- Jim Rice and a harmonica soloist (who I've met before but I don't believe I got his name) did a nice version of a Greek tune as well. I played an original waltz for the group and Celito Lindo. Jocque did a classical piece for us that he recently learned and played at his daughters wedding! I was so glad my girlfriend Stephanie got to come along and meet everyone, she seemed to really enjoy it and though we had to leave a bit early so I could get her back to Norfolk on time- we managed to participate in I believe it was a Middle Eastern or Arabian song I don't recall the name of at the moment.

Jim Rice playing at the Valov xmas party.

Tip playing at the Valov xmas party.

As usual I had to beg Andy to do his amazing version of the Frankie Valli tune, "You're Just to Good to Be True". His version is truly stunning, every time I see him I beg him to do it again; Andy always reminds me why I wanted to play in the accordion in the first place, watching him do this song is always inspiring and leaves you speechless afterwards.

Most of all- I'm looking forward to this Saturday more than anything at the moment! As I'm riding up to Williamsburg to meet up with Jim Rice and together I'm going with him the rest of the way to an accordion workshop and concert in Oakton, Virginia near Washington DC. featuring Michael Bridge. 

Jim & Andy playing at Valov xmas party.

Being a part of an accordion club like VaLov is a great experience, as otherwise it's pretty hard to meet other accordionists, and wouldn't be likely to have been lucky enough to meet the other members otherwise. I feel very fortunate to have met the other members and listen to their songs, their stories, and share good times and great music with them. That being said, I'll be excited to follow up this post soon with our trip to Oakton! 

Bisonoric Diatonic Accordion...

Hanging out w/Sid Sward.

I went to see Sid, and he showed me something really neat!! He pulled out/showed me this very old accordion from approximately the 1850's. If I'm not mistaken it is what is called bisonoric diatonic accordion- obviously it's so old and doesn't quite really look like accordions the way we know them now, but some really early button accordions were like this.

But if you look closely despite its funky shape, you can see it basically is the same thing. Just a neat early model of what became the accordion we know really. Only no buttons on the other side, you just pump one side; press the tiny buttons on the other side and it makes whole chords, his even worked, though didn't seem totally in tune. He said it was originally in pieces and he had it put back together, but it did still make sound and it wasn't terrible- it simply sounded its age!

When you push you get one chord and when you pull you get another with it, also I love the way the little levers and circle parts move freely in front of you to see every time you press the keys. I couldn't believe he had it, I have no idea where you would even find something like that.




So I asked him if I could take some pictures of it, and he didn't mind; so I thought it would be fun to share this. It's a neat piece of history and an interesting look at one of the many precursors leading to the full-size 120-bass accordion that you see now. In fact, if you take the time to dive into some brief history and/or google it; you'll find that there are many different types of accordions: some are the same note either way you push/pull, others sound a different note when pulling one way and a different note when you push. Others are piano on one side, and buttons on the other. Then there are a ton of combinations of how many bass buttons, some common ones being: 12, 48, 72, and 120- but many more.

Strapping on the accordion!

As this is my first post, I figured I would make a blog of my various experiences and opinions in the hopes of reaching out to fellow musicians and music lovers becoming part of a network of like minded individuals.

At a wedding gig.

Approximately around the time I started busking on a regular basis in late-winter/early-spring of 2010 I joined a small local accordion club called, "Valov" or also known as, "Accordion Lovers of Virigina".  It has been a great summer of playing in the street and I met a lot of great people along the way. I played all over really: all over outdoors in Chesapeake and Norfolk; also at a few small local shows at Winston's Cafe in Chesapeake, and in Norfolk at: Plaza Del Sol, Kerouac Cafe, and the Belmont, along with some nice wedding gigs too.

I met some really interesting people and fellow musicians along the way. Notably, I am glad to say I met Aaron Evans who is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar and glockenspiel among other things and currently in the band ARM and was also in Geneva. I also met Michael Twark who is also a multi-instrumentalist but plays mainly drums and is in many local bands in Norfolk (ARM, Glass Pennies, and Pan Galactic Straw Boss). I had a great time jamming with these guys on the street, which is how I first met them one day during an Art Everywhere event on Colley Avenue. 

jamming on Colley avenue w/Aaron Evans & Michael Twark

Later on I would also meet their friend and bandmate/guitarist Rex Bonney. Through playing near the Naro, I met some of their employees: Aaron Burgess (who is also a local musician in the indie-rock group Bonske) and Aria Maisey who is a local artist; she many times came out to visit me while I was playing and chatted with me. Hung out at and played some nice sorta informal shows at the venue Plaza Del Sol- where I also met Charles Abadam who is a violinist and also a member of DJ P & Mr. T and would enjoyed jamming with him sporadically.

with Nato Bardeen of the Drowningmen.

Later I met, local ukulele player and singer Skye Zentz at Fairgrounds Coffee at open mic she hosted while performing with the singer Rene Montague of my previous project that was called Heronland. I also performed on a few occasions at the Phillip Odango's Kerouac Cafe for Louis Fisher's art show and later some other events there too.

Later I met my friend and harmonica player Wes Sutherland while out busking who I jam with fairly often and have even busked with on a number of occasions and even jammed together with, including a small but enjoyable and memorable one with James Robert Smith from the band Musicplayer at the Kerouac Cafe. I was  slightly involved and played at the celebration of the start of the Soundcheck program at the 757 Creative Space as well.

I was also fortunate enough to get into two concerts for free as a result of my busking. I got to see the Drowningmen twice: the first time their photographer Ryan Renteria saw me playing accordion and took photographs and some video of me and then put me on the guess list to get into the sold out Flogging Molly show that night for free! The Drowningmen opened with a killer set that has had me hooked as a fan ever since. They were followed by Sweden's Moneybrother whom I've also been a fan their irresistible dancey rock tunes since.

w/Gabelani Messer & Rory Dolan of Drowningmen.

The second time around the Drowningmen's frontman Nato Bardeen who was not only nice enough to put me on the guest list and get me in for free the second time around but also let me get my buddy Wes Sutherland in for free as well, and I was flattered he remembered me from the months before. They came to the Norva again; the second time, I saw them opening for the Alkaline Trio. The Drowningmen always give an amazing live show sporting two guitars, organ, piano, slight usage of theremin, and Nato's soaring lead vocals. The energetic rhythmic qualities of their music and guitarist James Smith is awesome too. My personal favorite is when they do, "Caroline's A Mess" live. It is catchy as hell, full of energy, and just unbeatable! The fact those guys were so kind to me and even remembered me was a highlight for me as an accordionist.

Later after joining Accordion Lovers of Virginia and meeting the extremely talented Sidney Sward. I am highly benefiting both as a friend and musically from Mr. Sward, along with the other members of the club including Tip, Andy, and others I have briefly met.

That mostly sums up my experiences over the past few months and for the summer. Every day has been either at my part-time job or getting up and practicing then racing out to Norfolk from my home in the boonies in Chesapeake and performing anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at a time. I didn't even realize until I stopped long enough to think about it just now; just how much has happened during this time!

Thanks for reading. Until next time......