Why Jazz Accordion?

The accordion has struggled through the years to gain a foothold of respectability in both the popular and classical worlds. While outstanding artists and musicologists have trained on the accordion, there are quite a few mitigating circumstances that have kept it from greater acceptance.

Without question, the accordionists in general have been the accordions worst ambassador. Plenty of sub-par and/or self taught players have forever burned in many peoples' memory banks, the poor sound and musical structure that does not have mass appeal. In the hands of a master, the accordion is no more limited in scope and attack than any other instrument. The accordion, or any other instrument for that matter, cannot be all things to everyone.

Also, there is a lack of serious symphonic works of acceptable levels to draw or keep the elite players active, as compared to works written for guitarists and pianist, for example. With the current music market, jobbing accordionists are finding work quite difficult as well. Overall, it doesn't seem to entice the long term, serious player in large numbers.

The accordion flourishes in less structured environments such as folk/polka, and jazz, believe it or not. While the accordion may look like a "vertical piano", it is not a percussion instrument. It is a reed and should be seen and appreciated in that form; a reed instrument capable of chords and harmonies and indefinite expression.

For me, my love is bebop and in that realm the accordion is more than capable of holding its' own. Utilizing single notes and complex chord structures, it can be "spotlighted" as well as be the foundation of the reed rhythm section. But for the accordion to gain significance, the accordionist must have the skill, perseverance, and tenacity to overlook the digs and resistance of acceptance. Limiting yourself to at times underplaying can also help gain your recognition. Too many times I've seen and heard players just robotically playing notes as rapidly as possible without any musical sense, in an order to "show off" their technical prowess. That's not the road to success with serious players.

All in all, we are blessed that anew crop of players are discovering/rediscovering the accordion and its' role in the modern jazz world. It's an exciting time to be hopeful that soon we'll be seeing and hearing some serious jazz workd on our beloved instrument.