In review--Accordion from the South
World Toninho Ferragutti O Sorriso da manu Borandá When I think of South American accordion music, my thoughts usually gravitate towards Argentine tango and the late Astor Piazzolla. However, many wonderful South American folkloric music centers on the accordion brought to Latin America originally by Italian and German immigrants. Brazil certainly has its share of folkloric traditions in which the accordion plays a key role. Brazilian accordionist Toninho Ferragutti and his quartet (accordion, clarinet, percussion, and bass) team of with a chamber ensemble of strings and piano as they explore forró and choro dance songs along with an abstract version of flamenco on the recording O Sorriso da manu. Delightfully playful and contemplative in turns, listen to Flamenta with its lively castanets and the titular track with its klezmer-style clarinet. When I listen to this recording, I’m reminded more of Finnish accordionist an...