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Accordion Weekend, Eastbourne
October 2008
INSPIRATION! AMAZEMENT! LAUGHTER!
SHOCK! BRILLIANCE!
GORGEOUS MEN! BEAUTIFUL
ACCORDIONS! FUN! GROUP SEX!
The Eastbourne Festival had it all and much, much more. I do not know how
John and Jackie Romero do it but somehow they always manage
to find an absolutely fabulous (and drop dead gorgeous) Italian to set our
pulses racing. Perhaps John sends Jackie to Italy to eye up the talent? Can
I come with you next time please, Jackie? As always the quality of artists
and teachers was amazing and the programme packed from early morning to the
early hours of the next morning.
The event was a sell out so take note of warnings to book early in
future. Word has got out. If you want a long weekend with plenty of
accordions, accordionists, good food and a great location, Eastbourne is the
place to be. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and it is lovely to see so
many old friends.
So, what about the gorgeous men you ask? The virtuoso playing of
Marco Valenti was unforgettable. Each evening he gave a faultless
performance playing a variety of styles from favourites such as Monti’s
Czardas and The Carnival of Venice, enhancing all the standard works with
his own arrangements and variations; works by Piazzolla eg Libertango,
Oblivion; and many pieces from the classical repertoire – Caprices by
Paganini, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No.5 and my favourite, Toccata by
Paradisi. Marco showed his technical mastery and musicianship and charmed us
all with his gentle manner, disarming smile (did I mention already that he
is very handsome?) and when John asked if we would like him to return the
‘yes’ was a deafening fffffff.
The newly crowned UK Roland V-Accordion champion Johnny-Lee
Leslie showed us why he won the national competition last month and
played his prize, a Roland FR7 accordion. Over the weekend Johnny-Lee
displayed his superb technical command of the instrument as well as his
innate ability to communicate the expressive and personal aspect of the
music. When I listen to him play I am very aware of listening to the music
rather than the accordion which becomes the conduit in Johnny-Lee’s hands.
His programme included some wonderful Bach (Prelude and Fugue, BWV 554),
Scarlatti, Piazzolla, Galliano and Brahms. We all wish Johnny-Lee the best
of luck in Rome next month at the Roland V-accordion world championships and
hope he enjoys the experience. Whatever happens he is our champion.
As well as this we had not ‘Girl Power’ but ‘Pearl Power’
as our much loved Pearl Fawcett-Adriano played each
evening. Her programmes always provide an excellent variety of pieces and
included classical gems like Dance of the Comedians (Smetana) and Hungarian
Dance No.5 (Brahms); some of her own compositions (Musette Italiano, Sleepy
Blues), and pieces by Deiro and Frosini. I was particularly taken with the
charming Robins at Sunrise (Frosini) which is full of unexpected harmonies
and nuances and showed Pearl’s wonderful control of touch and bellows which
make her playing so unique.
The Crawley Accordion Orchestra ably conducted by
Shaun Hunter entertained every evening. The repertoire of
this group is wide ranging and each concert programme was varied and
enjoyable. They played marches (eg The Thunderer by Sousa), suites (eg Henry
Mancini in Concert), accordion standards (eg Domino), medleys (eg Chappell’s
Melodeon Cocktail No.2), arrangements (eg A Whiter Shade of Pale, Cavatina),
Renato Bui’s Fantasy in Concert and many others. This was the first time an
accordion orchestra has been on the bill here and let’s hope they will be
back soon. Well done everyone.
Andrew Lukins delighted the audience with a most
entertaining recital on the xylophone accompanied by his dad, David, on the
accordion on Sunday evening. We all wanted more Andrew, it was brilliant!
Andrew also played on the Saturday
evening with both his parents as part of ‘Corn Rigs’, a
really good band which provided the music for the lively and very popular
barn dance.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings there were classes for everyone:
orchestra with Jean Hanger, a teaching seminar on
Libertango with Trevani, beginners class with Sue
Bennett, jazz with Harry Hussey, a folk/barn dance
group with Angie Lukins and a seminar on bellows control
with Pearl Fawcett-Adriano.
In the afternoons we mortals were given the chance to perform and/or
listen. There never seems to be a shortage of victims/volunteers for these
sessions, all were encouraged and some were appreciated. Those of you still
reading this only because you were intrigued by a certain item in the
headings – yes, we had "Group Sex" for the
first time at Eastbourne! This group of five naughty ladies plus Ron
Bennett played Basse Dance (Warlock) and Swinging Safari (Kaempfert).
The ever popular tea and cakes break in the afternoons was enhanced by the
talented and still gorgeous George Bennett (Gorgeous
Georgeous) who is a born entertainer.
As always the trade stands provided a chance to browse, try instruments,
seek help and advice from the experts and artists who were happy to oblige:
Trevani Music, the Accordion Shop, Carillon Studios plus
assorted music and accordion goodies were available from Harry
Kipling. We did miss Charlie Watkins though so
John got all the professional players who were present together –
Johnny-Lee Leslie, Marco Valenti, Rosemary Wright, Pearl
Fawcett-Adriano, Alan Young, Harry Hussey, Gennaro Fiondella and
David Lukins – and in homage to Charlie, they
played one of his favourite pieces, Frosini’s
Bel Viso!! Of course, once that lot got together there was
no stopping them so Blaze Away was next, followed by
several other pieces.
I did collect a few ‘overheard snippets’ which you may like to ponder:
‘Terry Rayfield is very obliging’; Christine said ‘You can watch if you
like’ – I dare not explain further; ‘Ron’s new, shiny underwear is stunning’
and, the best was Jean Hanger’s boast ‘I was really hot in bed last night!’.
The raffle on behalf of John and Jackie’s pet charity, Winston’s
Wish, raised well over £200 pushing the total raised so far close
to the £7,000 mark.
The next Eastbourne Festival Weekend will be February 20-23rd
2009 at a new bigger venue, the Queen’s Hotel which is right by
the pier. It promises to be fantastic so do book early to avoid
disappointment. Don’t forget to bring something for the raffle,
Winston’s Wish is a really deserving charity.
Heartfelt thanks to John & Jackie Romero for yet another
great festival.
Rene Mairis, Isle of
Wight
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