Getting back to really studying this mess I dug out my Arhoolie CD of Mr. Clark. Hands down my favorite player and singer. And he was old when he recorded it. If anyone has any hints on his technique I am all ears. I can play most of his stuff to a degree but it's a High School Diploma on my part and I want the PhD...
I don't think that there are cajun-accordionists who don't love the sound of Octa Clark. His timing and rhythm are fabulous.
Have you seen him playing Johnny can't dance in his house post by his grandson Gene. See link#2
His laugh at the start is so great.
I've heared you playing in Floyds Record Shop at Ville Platte a few years ago and that sounded very good.
But I know nothing, me from Barcelona (Manuel in Fawlty Towers)
Link#2
Man.. I'm just a total Octa guy. From the very beginning with the accordion, I knew that he was the standard against I would try to measure.
It's maddening to watch the videos of him playing. His hands were always so still - so relaxed. Few clues to what he is doing there.
That collection of songs he did with Bessyl, Steve Riley, etc that included Freight Train Blues, Marais Bouleur, Grandamas Waltz. Wow!!! I wish I could get the whole thing.
There was that album "You Can't Go Wrong if You Play it Right". It's so true. I've found that when playing Mr. Octas stuff that if it's hard to play, you're doing it wrong. When it turns easy and flows off the fingers, it's right.
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
