Steve Wilson

That is impressive, well done Ryo. Actually more than impressive, as Gary says, awesome, absolutely awesome. Thankyou.

G'day All, There is currently a series of videos being released on a daily basis that features traditional Australian tunes and some songs and played by some of our concertina players here in Australia. The series is inclusive with players of a range of abilities and styles. Warren Fahey initiated the project with the aim of increasing awareness of Australia's traditional tunes which evolved with the country (bush) dance culture that existed in days gone by. There are nine videos, each about 20 minutes long, being released between 23rd and 31st of July and can be viewed on the Concertina Australia Youtube channel here. So far there are just three, here is today's, #3. Enjoy, Steve.

Here's a couple of kids I've been helping for a year or two now. They've put this together for World Concertina Day. Enjoy.

Fascinating reading everyone's stories. Me, during high school years I played guitar, learned with friends, played Dylan, PP & M, Beatles etc. A bit later I discovered traditional Australian folksong and moonlighted in "colonial" type restaurants. THEN at a folk festival I saw someone playing and singing with a concertina, don't know who, could have been Danny Spooner. Immediately I knew that was the instrument for me, especially as I intended to travel, backpacker style. Didn't know about systems but inquired and was told for song accompaniment english was the way to go. Found one, a Lachenal, not in great condition I soon discovered but later while traveling I picked up one from Boris Matusewich after noticing a tiny advertisement in the NYTimes. He had some made, in Italy I think, for his students and that was the instrument that got me going.

Yes that is unfortunate but they do tend to hold their value. If you can scrape together the funds for an entry level instrument you shouldn't lose too much on a sale when upgrading. Sometimes generous concertina people will loan underutilized instruments if you can earn their trust and perhaps demonstrate some musical ability. If you're in Oz I could possibly assist. Reach out to your local concertina community, something nice might happen.

There aren't many young people playing concertina in Australia. I'm trying to encourage more by producing videos like this one.

Can anyone identify this concertina, made in Italy? I'm guessing it would have accordion reeds.

Yes very lovely, both versions and yes Yuka Nakafuji's video has disappeared it seems, such a shame. Since I have Gary's tutor I learnt this tune, albeit on english, after viewing the video which is unusual as I'm more into song accompaniment with concertina. Shall continue to play it Yaka's way, the first way I've heard it even though I've since listened to the original version. But Soloduet may I suggest you slow it down just a tad, Yuka might be chuffed.

Me too wow. Fantastic, really enjoyed these videos.

I thought the series had finished but no, there's more. This one is a beauty, especially the pirate fellow above.

Loved it, very enjoyable. I guess the bookworm has heard it a couple of times before.

Number four in the series includes a parody, "The Concertina Song" by John Thompson.