Quoting
the CD notes: "When it comes to the Piano Accordion, Peter
Piccini stands out as one of the finest accordionists in Australia.
Well known not only in Australia but around the world for his
studio session work, recordings, broadcasting, arranging and composing."
A native Australian, born in Sydney in 1936, Peter Piccini has
performed since the young age of 7 and seriously from the age
of 15. His father, Peter Piccini, Sr., known as the Daddy of the
accordion in Australia, was the first to introduce the piano keyboard
accordion in Australia. It was from him that Peter Piccini, Jr.
learned in earnest the secrets of the accordion.
Peter, with his wife and other musicians, has performed in Europe
during several different periods of his life. He has also performed
in the Far East and Vietnam. After a 1972 tour in Europe and the
USA, he returned to Australia in 1976 and became busy with broadcasting
and recording with his large orchestra, still finding time to
compose music for the accordion. This recording, made in 2004,
features all his compositions with the exception of two, one by
Gorni Kramer and one by his father, Peter Piccini, Sr.
This music is
what is usually called pretty, nice, pleasant, easy listening
music suitable during dinner or for dancing afterwards. The tempos
are all steady with a solid bass behind every piece. Drums are
also used on many of the selections. The accordion takes the introduction,
the bass joins and, often, a second accordion line is heard. Since
no one is given credit for this, I assume Peter Piccini dubbed
it in during another session. Most certainly it adds to the musical
arrangements which are smooth swing with a bit of a jazz chorus
for a very nice completion.
This is good
music to do other things by reading, mending, doing homework
you
will enjoy listening to it but it won't disturb your thoughts.
Peter shows a great capacity for writing these very typical entertaining
melodies and he has the right hand technique to play them very
well. Several of the pieces exhibit this great right hand facility,
notably the Gordi Kramer piece, especially.
Personally, I would have liked more variety of switch changes,
perhaps, or even more different keys for some of the tunes but,
all in all, this CD is very nicely produced by everyone involved
and you will enjoy it.
For further information:
www.users.bigpond.com/piccini
CLP Productions, PO Box 1272, Booragoon, Western Australia 6954
Reviewed by Joan
Cochran Sommers
(May 2005)
|