When I was a kid I was dragged to many family events. Often these occasions included a Polka Band. I hated it. As I grew older and wiser I realized the folly of my ways and today I am a fan of all things accordion. This week we’ll hear many of the wonderful musical styles the various accordions contribute to. We’ll include Flaco Jimenez, Grey Larsen, Garth Hudson and even Leadbelly. It’s Accordion Time on the next Sing Out! Radio Magazine.

LISTEN:

Artist / “Title” / CD / Label

Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian Folkways
Jody Kruskal & Luke Richardson / “Dolly” / Waiting for the Boatsman / Jody Kruskal Music
The Steve Meisner Band / “Jammin’ Polkas” / Deep Polka / Smithsonian Folkways
Leadbelly / “John Hardy” / Bourgeois Blues / Smithsonian Folkways
The Klezmatics / “Moroccan Game” / Possessed / Xenophile

The Band / “Ain’t No More Cane on the Brazos” / A Musical History / Capitol
Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen / “The Shores of Lake Monroe-Paddy Won’t You Drink Some Good Old Cider” / Welcome Day / Sleepy Creek
Sver / “Falsk Vals” / Fryd / Folkhall
Jody Kruskal & Luke Richardson / “Waiting the Boatsman” / Waiting for the Boatsman / Jody
Kruskal Music

Sharon Shannon / “Mouth of the Tobuque” / Each Little Thing / Green Linnet
Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton / “Lay Down Your Weary Tune” / Declaration / Self Produced

Ry Cooder / “Goodnight Irene” / Chicken Skin Music / Reprise
Richard & Linda Thompson / “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (live)” / I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight / Island
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys / La Pointe aux Pins-Pine Point” / Best of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys / Rounder
Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian Folkways