Welcome to old and new friends who are interested in discussing Cajun and other diatonic accordions, along with some occasional lagniappe....



CAJUN ACCORDION DISCUSSION GROUP

 

General Forum
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
View Entire Thread
Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

Why don't you show us how it's done accordion master Greezy.. You sure talk a great deal about your Cajun accordion techniques and expertise. Especially about the old timers way of playing (I agree, it's the best and it's difficult to imitate those powerful emotions).

The best way to try and learn these techniques of playing as you already know is by listening and watching closely. Why not inspire us and show us how you express yourself on the Cajun accordion that you seem to have so much knowledge and expertise on. You say you have 25 years experience lets see it.

At least Marc gives us something to learn from. That includes you.

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

GF, I'm sensing hostility from you. You should know, that if I were to show my face on video, I would be instantly transformed into one who has to protect his reputation. By hiding my identity, I don't have to conform to anyone's rules and niceties if I don't want to. I can tell it like it is and get right to the root of the bull **** without fear of judgment by my peers and strangers alike. I am the one who will hit on "unspoken" topics in hopes of having clarity come out of the discussion for everyone. I do not care for all of the mystery, magic, and misguidance of accordion playing because it slows accordion players down from learning the fact that..(it's not all that hard to do if you only had the guidance). There is a whole lot of secrecy, lies, ignorance, and misinformation associated with Cajun French music and the money made from it believe it or not. Lots of musicians have copied or outright plagerized other musicians songs and never gave credit to the original creator. All to make a good reputation for the "theif". "Scrath a Lie, Find A Theif." I've seen it time and time again, and it shows it's ugly face more and more as I delve into the history of Cajun music. Everybody wants to be the King, or the God Father, or the Duke, or the Queen of Accordion. Well, I will be the one in the crowd that calls "Bull ****!" I am embedded right in the heart of Cajun Country. You'd should know that. And I am Cajun and a Cajun musician. 4th generation accordion player to be exact. Just be grateful I've jumped the fence and taken up the fight for the innocent beginner, novice, and advanced accordion player, and even the "outsider".

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

I'm Cajun as well and agree with you on the BS that surrounds the music; especially in the "Heart Land". Just post something without your face. A sound file would even suffice for me.

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

I'm reminded of the Wizard of Oz...

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

Get a drum machine or a looper, if practicing at home...create a backing track of drum/guitar. That'll keep you alert to the tempo. I found that, although I have a well developed natural rhythm, it's great to have an accompaniest or a band behind you to keep the accordion playing up to the mark...it's like your adrenalin kicks in and suddenly you're on the beat, and you may just surprise yourself ! My Humble Opinion.

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

Darryl, you're exactly right. I'm not rhythmically challenged. With accompaniment, I do OK. Without, there's just way too much going on with the squeezebox. Working past the jerkiness, then come the rushing tempo. My goal is unconscious consistency.

Re: LEARNING THE CREOLE STOMP

ON THE OTHER HAND..you simply need to have the skills of fellow Discussion Board contributor, Robert LeBlanc, and sit in a nice reverby room, then all would be well with the World of UN-Accompanied Cajun Accordion playing...LOL.

https://youtu.be/6WIvRsGkKj0

Re: LEARNING THE GREEZY STOMP

Mr Greezy - somewhere in all your excitement I usually find an opinion I can agree with. The sometime mystic belief in the Cajun accordion and its music quite often astounds me. I rejoice in you not putting out a video and thus we avoid yet another prophet of the Church of Cajun Accordion who shall be revered and his scripture quoted. So thanks for that.

Re: LEARNING THE GREEZY STOMP

You're welcome Mr Guy. Hey Nedro, I got something that might help with that thumb and thumb strap of yern. Go to the accordion maker and make him adjust your thumb strap to fit your situation. Or, you can adjust the strap yourself and make that thumb do right by you. That's what I'd try.

Re: LEARNING THE GREEZY STOMP

Greezy, thanks, but "my accordion builder" is 300 miles away. I am my own accordion repair man.

I've developed a small leather shop experimenting with various leathers and softening treatments, along with every possible width, length, thickness, and angle. Adding lacing at the midpoint and constraints is another modification.

I've got it under control. YOU seem to be the one most uncomfortable with it, and I apologize for your discomfort.

Re: LEARNING THE GREEZY STOMP

Not uncomfortable. Antsy maybe. The right thumb strap and playing hand position make a lot of difference in the outcome of playing accordion. Lots of people overlook it, but what's the very first thing we notice when we get to play someone else's accordion. (The thumb strap feels or looks too loose, or too tight) And Nedro, because I care makes me antsy.



Jamey Hall's most excellent Cajun Accordion Music Theory

Brett's all new Cajun Accordion Music Theory for all keys!

LFR1.gif - 1092 Bytes The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week

augusta.gif - 6841 Bytes

Listen to Some GREAT Music While You Surf the Net!!
The BEST Radio Station on the Planet!