Lionel Reekie was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in 1973. He started learning the accordion at the age of nine and began performing professionally at ten years old. He has since gone on to perform in many top restaurants, hotels and clubs in New Zealand. Lionel is no stranger to international audiences, performing as a soloist in many countries. As a guest artist at the American Accordion Association Festivals, the Cotati Accordion Festival (USA) and Australian Accordion Teachers Association Festival. Lionel has been featured many times on radio and television. Lionel is one of New Zealand's best and best-known accordion entertainers and this recording proves just that. This CD can be used as background or dance music, or just to listen to, so can serve more that one purpose.. Lionel’s voice and his playing manner are very warm and these two elements create a very pleasant atmosphere for the listener. The fact that he performs very well known tunes like: “Love is in the Air”, “Lambada” and “I Swear” also helps make this CD easy to listen to and popular. His voice has a very specific colour to it; at times it is very emotional, sentimental and deep. Then he turns to be very bright and happy. It reminds me of singers from the 60s and 70s. His accordion skills are very high with good tonal quality and he is familiar with all the effects that can be performed on the accordion. Note that he uses both MIDI and ODYSSEE digital accordions and is an ideal demonstration of their capability. They make a solo accordionist sound like a whole band! |
