I enjoyed reading those! I wonder how many of us have those, erhm, experiences with piano accordions? Of the many instruments I've studied, piano accrdn was the most peculiar. I once spent my own money to 'sell' my first accrdn (an Excelsior that I'd
really like to have back
) - cost more to ship than it sold for - because I was frustrated that it was more difficult learning than all the other instruments I've played.
I especially enjoyed your reminiscences re Myron F and Welk. I grew up around Detroit (CKLW, the Big
8!) and naturally abhorred
all things accordion! My mother's music was permeated with the lush, pathos-drenched string section behind every Doris Day and Sinatra crooner. My first pop songs I took note of were the Temptations (Ball of Confusion), Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, War, Beatles, Stones, so difference of perspective there.. Started playing in bands when I was 14 - teachers let us skip class and rehearse - for whatever school assembly thing was going on. I've never been able to shake that scene - love it. I love squeezeboxes because I can move all of my fingers in ritualistic service of remembrance of my vital years of music, long ago. Really, though, because you can rock it.
