Publisher : Homespun Tapes
Intermediate & Advanced Techniques
60-minute DVD, includes booklet
With Christine Balfa, guitar
Skill Level:Early Intermediate (3)

Dirk Powell takes his exploration of traditional Cajun accordion to the next level. He covers some of the more advanced topics that you will want to know in order to get beyond the basics and "create dance music that really gets people going - that's what this music is for!"

You'll learn:
how to add ornaments
syncopate the phrasing to drive the beat
make strong phrases to "pump up" the tune
"turn" a melody to "put that extra spark in there
how to anticipate the bellows changes
resolve phrases with triplets
switch to the upper and lower octaves
use the bellows to get rhythmic effects
techniques to get the hot Cajun sound

The songs covered on this lesson include:
"The Wafus Two-Step," "Lafayette Playboy Waltz," "Hick's Wagon Wheel Special" and "Dimanche après-midi" ("Sunday Afternoon"). You also get close-up footage of "The Acadian Two-Step" and "The Mamou Two-Step."

• Joe Torres - Conjunto Button Accordion DVD
• Louie Hurwitz - Rock & Blues Accordion DVD
• Dirk Powell - Learn To Play Cajun Accordion DVD