The accordion may no longer be a popular instrument, but artists like
Will Holshauser will turn the heads of naysayers who would otherwise dismiss the instrument out of hand. His second trio release again features trumpeter
Ron Horton and bassist David Phillips, focusing on the leader's multifaceted originals. His charts are demanding but leave room for improvisation, though all three musicians have talent to burn. "Far Away Home" is a catchy fusion of Cajun music and blues, while "Brooklyn Research" is kind of a demented tango.The only traditional piece is "La Esperanza," which is played in a fairly straight-ahead manner (aside from a few dissonant flourishes) and features Phillips playing arco, recorded in with an audience present. This wide-ranging release will surprise anyone who takes the time to explore it. ~ Ken Dryden