WELCOME TO THE COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL COMMUNITY TRACEY. I HAVE TO ASK YOU THE FIRST QUESTION THAT ALWAYS COMES UP. HOW DID YOU HAPPEN TO TAKE UP THE ACCORDION?
I was six years old the first time I came across an accordion. I went to a holiday programme during the school holidays and a few accordionists were there demonstrating how it all works. I signed up for six weeks to learn to play and the rest is history.
IN 2009 YOU WERE THE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE PRESTIGIOUS COUP MONDIALE.THAT IS QUITE AN ACCORDION SOPHISTICATED AUDIENCE TO ENTERTAIN. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
Yes! That was a lot of fun! I did two segments, firstly on stage with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and later in the evening I performed an Irish set. I actually met Cory Pesaturo, who you all know, and a few other fantastic musicians that night with whom I am still friends with today. Some wonderful opportunities came from this event too. I had the best time working with Roland Australasia as a product specialist for the digital accordion for 7 years.
ARE THERE MANY ACCORDIONISTS IN NEW ZEALAND?
Yes, there is still quite a presence with the accordion in NZ. We are the home of Accordions Worldwide which is run by Harley Jones. The Accordion Association is still very active in organizing concerts, competitions and events throughout NZ.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCORDION DO YOU PLAY AND WHY?
I have always played the Titano Accordion brand. I have had a Starlight midi accordion for over 15 years now. It has served me well for countless gigs and still has such a lovely tone. I use the midi feature with my Roland BK-7M module. I also purchased a Roland Fr8X digital accordion last year during lockdown.
HARLEY JONES IS SOMETHING OF A LEGEND IN THE ACCORDION WORLD. HAS HE HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have known Harley for many years. I toured Europe with him in the Air NZ Accordion Orchestra in 1996. He has a lot of influence in the accordion world and has always been supportive of my career.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS THAT HAVE INSPIRED YOU?
I would say Astor Piazzola, Richard Galliano, Frank Marocco, Art Van Damme, Sivuca, Kimmo Pohjonen,
And Sharon Shannon to name a few. I am constantly coming across artists online who are doing some amazing things with the accordion.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG FEMALE ACCORDIONISTS IN NEW ZEALAND?
Practice and constantly expand your skills. There are so many music resources available today online compared to when I was young. Learn a wide variety of styles and, most importantly, enjoy playing music.
