Mercurial Rev: Richard Coles' Favourite Music | Page 10 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

I love accordion music and I know it’s something which strikes fear into the heart of people. But my lockdown project has been to learn how to play it because a parishioner died and left me his accordion. I absolutely love it. ‘Libertango’ is one of the pieces I’m learning. I couldn’t dream of playing it like Richard Galliano who is an absolutely fantastic world-class virtuoso player.

I started off on ‘Amazing Grace’ and things like that, so ‘Libertango’ is a number to aspire to. It’s been really good to have one thing – during both lockdown and grief – to concentrate on and try to get a grip on. So it’s something that’s been good, although I know it’s not something that is everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a bit like when you’re learning to drive and you think, ‘I’m never going to get this gear thing right’ and then it just works. Lots of accordionists say that a button accordion is easier to play than a keyboard accordion, but I haven’t got a button accordion. I’m not good enough. Maybe one day.

PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today