We all (that studied from him each week) had our accordions blessed by Danny, it seemed one of those ritual things based on a respectful passage type'a thing.
"Load it up with your magic" we'd tell him... and he would for sure.

The red Savoy accordion I mentioned, was a very early model of Marks work. In fact, the reeds were mounted on Felt and anchored with screws to the reed block (which would normally muffle the sound). The Crawfish bellow was done by the guy (Jim) that does the graphics for Junior. Jim lives a mere 35 miles from me and we have talked four or five times on various matters. This artist does exclussive "ONLY" for Martin's accordions. However, one was done up for Danny, which was that accordion that Mark had built (quite unusual). I believe that he also did a graphic of the Frog on the bellows belonging to Ed Lukenbach (one of Danny's deepest heartfelt students of the Traditional Creole style) and also a student (on many levels) and close friend of Junior Martin.

If I am not mistaken, that accordion may have once belonged to John Simeon and it was passed on to Danny when John died. John was a mentor for Danny and also passed the responsibility of the Louisiana Playboys and front accordion slot with his death.

Danny and I had many discussions (as well as his other students each week after week) on many subjects of music and other matters. It was fairly well known that he admired Mark Savoy. Mark had seemingly cut against the lines do's and dont's with his affiliation on the Creole side of matters. This goes back in times, when there were many tracks which folks did not cross. Some of this old hard line change was the partly a reason Jesse and Danny had become so close so quickly in the world of admiration as musicians and friends... that's another subject matter of where we are in the evolution and bridge brought about through sound.

But oh that Red accordion.. yep, it was his prize as rough looking as it was... and he had many accordions and other highly prized instruments in his garage I can tell you.

Nonc D