Many times when I go out to see music in Austin, I don't geek out with a pen and paper--only occasionally. Most times I just get caught up in the good time, and then do my best to do the artist justice if I attempt a blog post. This would be one of those times!
Joel Guzman and his accordion talent are signature for Austin, if not all of Texas or the Southwest in general-- known as El Pequeno Gigante (The Little Giant). His former band Aztex, of which Sarah was a part, formed the core of Los Super Seven in the late 90's-- a Grammy-winning (Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album) supergroup that included Flaco Jiminez, Ruben Ramos, Doug Sahm, Joe Ely, three members of Los Lobos.. and the list goes ridiculously on. (Seriously, check out those albums-- I have Canto and I'm in love). He has worked as an arranger and producer with Tejano artists Latin Breed and Little Joe. Joel is also at times paired as a duo with Texas legend Joe Ely, with whom he makes perfect musical Tex-Mex magic with. Tonight he was with his latest band, comprised of his wife Sarah Fox on vocals, Stephen Summer on drums, A.C. Benden on electric guitar, and-- originally from Hawaii-- Glenn Fukunaga on bass.
Joel spent a good portion of the evening behind the keyboard, only occasionally taking out his beautiful red and white accordion (probably the best in the land--insert commercial here). I will take a guess on the type: a modern diatonic accordion, also called a button box--go read about them-- they're fascinating.
Tonight was certainly a community event-- an outdoor venue that gave couples and children room to dance. The band went from sultry blues rock to Cumbia to soulful ballad to Mexican folk to polka .. from Texas southwest conjunto to east Texas Cajun, all topped by Sarah's seasoned vocals-- perfectly articulated in English or Spanish, depending on the song. We heard a number of songs from Joel's and Sarah's Aztex days, including "Why Don't You Love Me?" and "Padre, Prays for Rain".
Joel's keyboard and accordion solos were balanced tightly by A.C.'s rhythm guitar. When Joel joined Sarah singing, their two voices were like woven ribbons. From time to time, Joel strapped on the button box and literally showed us how an accordion solo is done-- that is, with a lot of muscle and dexterity, yet with grace. I've never seen so much strength needed to go into a melodic instrument. What a demonstration! Joel can pull a solo, lay it out, get funky, chop up the rhythm, squeeze out one note or ten notes simultaneously, or make that box whistle a high melody.. his playing is perfect-- perfect-- beautiful , precise, intense-- and he makes what must be incredibly difficult look so easy. Each button on that box plays two notes -- one when the bellows (accordion folds ) are closing and a second note when opening. If Joel is busy adjusting a microphone or waving hello to someone, he even knows how to play with one hand, without thinking. Yeah!
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