S q u e e z y t u n e s

Early Billy Preston

2009-09-14T21:04:32+01:00

I don't know much about Billy Preston; over here in the UK he's known mainly for being one of the contenders for the 5th Beatle. I didn't know that he was a child star, until I came across this video of him performing with Nat King Cole when he was just 11 years old.

He was also a great dancer, as this appearance with Ray Charles shows.

And this version of Summertime is really something special.

I think I'll have to investigate some of Billy's recordings. Let me know if you know of any good ones.

Irish Music that Swings!

2009-08-19T23:07:49+01:00

I love it when Irish music really swings - it's infectious and inspiring, and always makes me wish I could play this style. So, I thought you'd all appreciate hearing these two fine examples.

Firstly, this is the David Munnelly Band, who are definitely worth checking out further.

And this is North Cregg, who I've seen perform a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed.

Gérard Dupervil

2009-07-27T19:46:00+01:00

I while ago I posted a couple of videos of a guy called Gerard Dupervil, and accordion player and singer from Haiti. The videos weren't of brilliant quality, but there was something about them that lead me to believe that Gerard was someone who the world needs to hear more of.

Time has rolled on, and YouTube has sucked in a few more treasures from Haiti. Including a couple of earlier recordings from Gerard.

Here is my favourite, a sublime piece called Confiance.

On this piece (actually two separate songs), seems to be just solo piano and voice, but still has a lovely quality.

More Funana

2009-07-13T22:13:12+01:00

The funana hits just keep coming. I think this is the most vibrant scene featuring the accordion around today.

Portative organ

2009-07-13T08:22:16+01:00

Portative organ, originally uploaded by Mark Tranchant.

I love portable instruments, and I would love to have a portative organ. It's a shame they are so, so expensive.