Basque button accordion

It's been a while since I posted any Basque music on this blog. It's a fantastic musical tradition. So, enjoy some Trikitixa...

Jigs and Reels

I enjoy jigs and reels quite a bit, but I haven't learned to play very many of them. I've decided to take on the project of learning a bunch of them for both button and piano accordion. I'm looking forward to learning the tunes, but also, this exercise will sharpen up my playing because some of them are very fast.

Jigs and reels are called soft-shoe dances, but I don't know much about dancing, so don't ask me about that. Reels have a 4/4. Your basic jig is in 6/8 time, and slip jigs are in 9/8 time. I'll worry about slip jigs and also hornpipes later.

I've started with an Irish jig called Come Haste to the Wedding.

The Irish Washerwoman

Here's a traditional Irish jig that I really like.

Zydeco Road

Gino and the French Rockin Boogie


Andrew Carriere

Boogie

Just stumbled across this one...

Santiago Jimenez Jr.

A couple years ago, we met up with Candy and Stagg in San Antonio Texas for the International Accordion Festival. It seemed there was an international conspiracy afoot keeping us away. Our plane broke and was canceled, so they rerouted us through Dallas. Then in San Antonio, we managed to get lost (in the car and then again on foot). When we finally made it to the opening night concert, it was Santiago Jimenez Jr. and his Conjunto playing on stage. It was great to see this fabulous accordion player in person! I had been listening to Conjunto/Norteno/Tex-Mex music for some time, but this was the first chance I had to hear one of the Conjunto greats play live.

Here he is with Martin Krousin


Polka Time

El Parche

The Corrido of Esteban Steve Jordan.
This excellent piece includes some rare interview bits with accordion giant Steve Jordan.


Here's a taste of Mr. Jordan live, from Youtube: