2010-01-15 Gay Nineties

Gay Nineties (Medley of "The Bowery", "The Band Played On", and "Daisy Bell") - Palmer Hughes Recital Book, Book 2, Page 26 for Accordion Accordéon Acordeón Akkordeon Akordeon Harmonika Fisarmonica Acordeão Акордеон Аккордеон Accordian Roland FR-7 FR7

This practice piece has been very challenging for me for several reasons. First, it uses what some people call "Reverse Alternating Basses", which affects the sequence of notes played in the accompaniment pattern. Normally when playing a C alternating bass accompaniment pattern we play C bass note, C chord, G bass note, and finally C chord. A reverse pattern is played G bass note, C chord, C bass note, and C chord. So instead of hitting the C bass button on the first beat of a measure, you hit the G bass button. To make this more challenging, in an actual piece not all the accompaniment patterns are played using the same note sequence. In some measures they are played in the normal sequence, while in others it is played in reverse. I found that these different fingering sequences greatly affected my playing accuracy. I guess I suffer from slow motor memory. But I must not become discouraged by my limitations, and neither should you if you are experiencing a similar slow down in progress as you try to learn new skills while advancing in level. As I have often said, unless you're a natural musical genius like Mozart, there is no magic bullet to learning an instrument. It takes lots of practice. I say, "Take all the time you need."

Another reason for this piece being challenging is that it is longer than my usual practice piece on YouTube. I had to practice this piece a lot longer in order to make a video with no mistakes. OK. I admit it. I did make a couple minor fumbles. I'm sure some people will notice them. But I accept them as normal for a student at my beginning level.

Finally, I admit that I was slowed down by issues having to do with my new instrument, a Roland FR-7. I needed time to adjust myself to the different feel of the instrument compared to my previous Hohner Amica III 120. Also, I needed time to learn about the various technical features and different recording characteristics of this new instrument. For example, I was experiencing poor noise performance. After considerable experimentation I realized that I could greatly improve the noise performance by moving my recording location closer to the computer that records my audio using Audacity software, which means moving close to my piano. I also spent considerable time optimizing the audio levels between the instrument and my recording unit (PreSonus Firebox), which you can see in the left side of the image sitting on the piano top. It's the small unit with a blue light right next to the bust of Mozart. In the end I believe that my recording quality has improved, but feel free to disagree if you think otherwise.

For those interested in the Roland FR7, in this piece I am using the instrument's standard "Italian Folk" voice (Set #4) with Sordina turned on.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ACCORDION
• ACCORDÉON
• ACORDEÓN
• AKKORDEON
• AKORDEON
• HARMONIKA
• FISARMONICA
• ACORDEÃO
• АКОРДЕОН
• АККОРДЕОН
• ACCORDIAN
• ROLAND
• FR-7
• FR7

[lichiarenz]

Enjoyable performance

I like so much this tune played with sweetness and skill

Bravo Leon

5*****

Fabrizio

[myaccordionhistory]

@lichiarenz Thank you again Fabrizio for your ecnouragement of my accordion playing.

Leon

[piratebri]

I notice you don't open the bellows very wide, is this because it is an electric accordion? Does opening the bellows on an electric accordion produce different sound? I'm just curious - i'm a new player. ;)

[myaccordionhistory]

@piratebri You are correct in noticing that the bellows on an electronic Roland accordion are much more sensitive, requiring less movement. I can play longer phrases that require completion without changing bellows direction. The Roland's bellows feel very stiff. It's like playing an acoustic when no notes are pressed. It doesn't pass much air. Pulling hard produces louder sound, but the bellows do not move out quickly. Once you become used to it, it's wonderful.

[sengle1013]

hi there, I enjoyed your performance. i play piano and some guitar. i've always wanted to learn accordion but frankly after watching this I know why I've never attempted. that left side of the instrument with the little buttons looks terribly difficult to do! again, i really enjoyed your performance and musicianship. would like your take on if it is indeed harder than piano or guitar and thank you

[myaccordionhistory]

@sengle1013 Thanks for your encouragement. I have played both guitar and piano. Except for initial coordination training, for me the accordion is easier. Yes, there's lots of left buttons. But their relationships are easy. In key of C, there is an easy to find reference button. Chords are only one button, not three notes (triad) like the piano. And here's the good part. The G and F chord buttons are adjacent the C. That's all you need to play accompaniment for hundreds of songs.

[RevDavidEMorrison]

I have learned to play the Anglo concertina and single row box accordion or melodian. I am also seriously looking at the Roland FR-18 diatonic accordion that I can purchase at a much lower price than the FR-7x. I will eventually own a FR-7x some day - it is just a matter of time. Sincerely, David E. Morrison - Eureka, Nevada.

[RevDavidEMorrison]

I am an older person with a determination to master the accordion before I die. I am gradually improving and hope to be able to play on a performance level by this time next year.  Your video has been an encouragement to me. I am also saving my pennies to buy a Roland FR-7x.

[RevDavidEMorrison]

I am 56 years old and I have had a 120 bass Coletta Soprani Ampliphonic accordion in my possession since I was 15 years old. Sadly, I never progressed past the 3rd level Palmer Hughes beginners book until about 3 years ago when I decided to take the accordion seriously. I am now playing at an early intermediate level and I practice for several hours nearly every day. I am self-taught on the accordion.

[Rhawneld57]

You were in Marieli's channel page and I decided to pop over to check on your channel. I didn't see this one come here to me however I am glad I found it. Leon this is played very very well I loved and enjoyed every second. I always watch to the end. I notice in my videos not all are watched to the end. LOL Oh well. Nice job here

Ron! I know all the songs.