Program

Sometimes the accordion gets a bad rap! But can the accordion do more than the stereotypical oom-pah thing that first comes to mind for most people? 

Rachel Bell has made a career of pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an accordion, exploring the sweetest sounds and subtlest dynamics she can coax out of the instrument as well as rocking out on what a friend once called, "French headbanger tunes." From bass grooves to lush textures reminiscent of chamber music, Rachel's duo Peregrine Road presents a different perspective on the instrument from the one that most folks have encountered out in the wild. Rachel's bandmate Karen Axelrod joins her with piano parts that sound like a whole orchestra, and sometimes the two play double accordions, something they joke about needing a license to do. 

Rachel, who spent many years as an elementary music teacher, loves giving a highly accessible tour of the mechanics of the accordion that consistently fascinates both adults and children. This is often a moment for audience participation, as Rachel invites audience members (usually kids) to come up and push one of the reed setting buttons. The button pusher inevitably responds with astonishment when the sound suddenly drops and octave or soars into ear-piercing piccolo territory. 

All of this learning and exploration is embedded in a thrilling concert of traditional tunes from England, Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, France, and New England, as well as original compositions in those styles. Audience members of all ages and walks of life will be tapping their toes and sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what they're going to find out next! 

Here's a quote from someone who attended Peregrine Road's recent concert at the Clapp Library in Belchertown, MA:

Oh, so why was I in Belchertown yesterday anyway? Well, primarily to see Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell, also known as the duo Peregrine Road, playing tunes from several different traditions (e.g. English, French, New England) as well as their own compositions. It's not just that they're superb musicians, but they have such a canny feel for arrangements -- ebb and flow, reserve and subtlety transitioning into full-on blazes of glory. Not to mention their stage patter is often hilarious.

And this all took place in the Clapp Memorial Library, which has some very impressive stained-glass windows.

Sean Smith, writer for BostonIrish.com