Book - Accordion Eulogies, Noe Álvaraz

[Tom]

“Accordion Eulogies” by Noe Álvarez offers a perspective (memoir, true) on accordions not generally seen. His family is from Mexico, but he grew up in Yakima, Washington. His grandfather played the accordion (we call it an accordion, you call it a melodeon) in Mexico, and Noe decides to learn to play accordion and travel back to Mexico to resolve his roots. Here is a very interesting perspective on norteno, texmex and corridoes (sp?) as well as history of the accordion in Mexico and southwest USA and the sadness of social conditions in (many parts of) Mexico. He is dealing with his family history through the perspective of the accordion. Vignettes of his visits with famous and not so famous accordionists.

Some overly flowery language, but that’s ok. Definitely recommended wherever you find your books. I listened on Hoopla.

 

[Ventura]

on the Mexican and Music theme, searching for connections
and preserving heritage and Music, i can suggest as a follow up

Linda and the Mockingbirds | Music Has No Borders | Documentary

LINDA AND THE MOCKINGBIRDS is a road movie with music — a song-soaked, foot-stomping trip straight to the heart of what it means to be Mexican, and to be American, and the complex joy of being both at the same time.

www.lindaandthemockingbirds.com

Linda has been helping out in various ways forever, giving back,
and here she sponsors a trip for a group of hardworking Kids
into Mexico.. (hint) the accordion connection is a Polka Surprise

Jackson Brown goes along with them and adds some amazing insight
to this documentary, which is available on several streaming services
like Amazon and Netflix

 

[Tom]

on the Mexican and Music theme, searching for connections
and preserving heritage and Music, i can suggest as a follow up

Linda and the Mockingbirds | Music Has No Borders | Documentary

LINDA AND THE MOCKINGBIRDS is a road movie with music — a song-soaked, foot-stomping trip straight to the heart of what it means to be Mexican, and to be American, and the complex joy of being both at the same time.

www.lindaandthemockingbirds.com

Linda has been helping out in various ways forever, giving back,
and here she sponsors a trip for a group of hardworking Kids
into Mexico.. (hint) the accordion connection is a Polka Surprise

Jackson Brown goes along with them and adds some amazing insight
to this documentary, which is available on several streaming services
like Amazon and Netflix

Thanks Ventura, that looks really interesting. Looks like I can watch it free (with ads) on YouTube. Also Amazon Prime and some others.

 

[OuijaBoard]

Great stuff. And reposting this wonderful NYT profile of a 76-year-old accordion repair master in Mexico City: A lovely cultural document as well:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/arts/music/accordion-repair-francisco-luis-ramirez.html

 

[Tom]

on the Mexican and Music theme, searching for connections
and preserving heritage and Music, i can suggest as a follow up

Linda and the Mockingbirds | Music Has No Borders | Documentary

LINDA AND THE MOCKINGBIRDS is a road movie with music — a song-soaked, foot-stomping trip straight to the heart of what it means to be Mexican, and to be American, and the complex joy of being both at the same time.

www.lindaandthemockingbirds.com

Linda has been helping out in various ways forever, giving back,
and here she sponsors a trip for a group of hardworking Kids
into Mexico.. (hint) the accordion connection is a Polka Surprise

Jackson Brown goes along with them and adds some amazing insight
to this documentary, which is available on several streaming services
like Amazon and Netflix

Watched this last night. Very cool, thanks for the recommendation Ventura.

 

[Ventura]

hehehe.. did your ears "spot" the Clarinet Polka in
that one dance sequence ? so Yankovich had an influence
even waaaaay down south of the border !

have always been in awe of Linda since "Different Drum"
she even wrote a couple Children's books.. the
Hall of Fame releases included her induction and the
Ladies that came out to "Sing" her a tribute were
mind-blowing.. She and EmmyLou made an appearance
at the recent Dolly tribute, but just to talk about old times..

had several Nelson Riddle arrangements of the
Torch Songs they did together in my setlist for years

 

[Tom]

hehehe.. did your ears "spot" the Clarinet Polka in
that one dance sequence ? so Yankovich had an influence
even waaaaay down south of the border !

have always been in awe of Linda since "Different Drum"
she even wrote a couple Children's books.. the
Hall of Fame releases included her induction and the
Ladies that came out to "Sing" her a tribute were
mind-blowing.. She and EmmyLou made an appearance
at the recent Dolly tribute, but just to talk about old times..

had several Nelson Riddle arrangements of the
Torch Songs they did together in my setlist for years

No, I didn’t notice it but “Clarinet Polka” by Kieth Maillard is one of my all time favorite books, pretty sure I’ve mentioned it in here. I still haven’t made it to playing or learning it, not sure why.

Yeah, I have long loved Linda Ronstadt. I remember seeing her in the Mexican getup for that one album. Awesome. Classy lady.