Accordion Dreams on PBS

Subject: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Kim C
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 12:31 PM

I watched this show last night and thought it was really good. Knowing nothing about conjunto or ranchera, I was enlightened, and entertained.

Accordion Dreams

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 01:23 PM

This is not to be confused with the novel of the same name.

Great site Kim. there is a wealth of information there. I don't know how long these sites last at PBS but I might suggest that we save this one in an appropriate permathread?? I learned quite a bit and I've never even picked up an accordian.

The music they refer to is infectious - full of fun and passion. And that's a pretty good combination.

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 01:31 PM

I was able to watch and tape about 45 minutes of it. One of the things I found interesting was the way the polka music of the people of German descent was incorporated into the music of the people of Spanish descent.

The only thing I regretted is that with this style of music, the basses aren't used at all. I know it would probably be difficult to incorporate basses into this style of music, but I feel that a lot of what makes accordions so incredible is the basses, and only a small fraction of the instrument's potential is used when only the treble side is used.

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Kim C
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 01:41 PM

whee! There's a novel of the same name? Does it actually have anything to do with accordions?

It was hard for me to sit still and watch this program. If I had not been so doggone tired I would have been up dancing about the room.

I think this weekend I'm gonna hunt me up some Flaco Jimenez CDs.

Not being an accordion player (yet), I will take CarolC's word for it about the basses. I like a lot of bass, so I can see that. At the same time, though, it's part of what makes this particular style unique.

NPR has also been running a story on Morning Edition about the evolution of nortena. There's some young kids in Tijuana who are taking the classic nortena sound and pairing it with modern techno-beats, resulting in a style very popular with the young. Some of the guys in Accordion Dreams are doing the same thing with conjunto.

The folk process at work. :-)

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 01:53 PM

Kim - I can't remember the name of the woman who wrote Accordian Dreams but any chain store should have it. It follows an accordian from owner to owner starting in Europe - it comes over to America, ect. It's been awhile since I've read it but it's enjoyable.

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Kim C
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 02:37 PM

Hmmmmm..... sounds kinda like The Red Violin.........

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 04:11 PM

You're right - it does. I couldn't testify as to which one came first.

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 04:21 PM

Kim C, I agree with you about the use of only the treble side being important for the sound of this style of music. When I saw the name of the show, I was selfishly hoping to be able to watch some good bass technique so I could see some of how it's done. But it was a good show anyway. ;-)

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Anglo
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 04:50 PM

About the novel…

Perhaps you mean Accordion Crimes by E. Annie Proulx.

Subject: RE: Accordion Dreams on PBS
From: Kim C
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 04:57 PM

Heehee Carol! An ulterior motive!

I have to say, I really dug seeing the older lady doing the German music. She was gettin on down.

I been needin me a good novel to read...