Clarity

It's not the most common instrument in Canberra or at least I don't see it too often, but I seem to have a few mates taking it up.  Perhaps because of the influence of a (the?) local master, Anton Wurzer.  I've watched Anton over the years, playing jazz, improvising, classical, with harpsichord or even my jazz band at one stage.  A return as a huge pleasure.  Anton played for a Wesley lunchtime concert, all his own music, all sharp and sweet and superbly accurately played, ranging over samba, cha-cha, waltz, bal-musette, through a groove written to promote improv amongst local accordion players, about relatives and tragic events and even Red samba beans.  Pieces written over time, on piano, some up to 18 years ago, so they have a long life.  I noticed a lovely balance of parts, a nifty left hand bass breaking into a life of its own at times, lithe right hand passages, chordal or melodic or lovely improv lines, perfectly spelling out the tune with some chromatics around arpeggio notes and mobile arpeggiated lines and long runs over the 3.5 octave keyboard.  Even some alternative techniques, tapping in various spots or finger snaps with audience participation, and all within attractive original tunes that referred well to the title, perhaps Waves of Mallorca or Madrid to Paris or Groovy man walking.  It's not often I hear the piano accordion like this, or ever, but I am convinced.  In hands like this, this is a hugely attractive band in a box.  Just a lovely outing.  And to top it off, Anton handed out gratis CDs of solo baroque pieces (Bach et al), his third album.  Generous in more ways than one.

Anton Wurzer performed his original music at Wesley.