Friday, April 25, 2014

Under the Double Eagle

A popular, old, stereotypically German march, 'Unter dem Doppeladler' - Under the Double Eagle. Most of the videos I found were by string bands. My favorite of those is this rather tender version by SF locals, Friends of Old Puppy:

Here's a german version, in a scenic setting:
 

A solo on the button accordion:

People will dance to it! 

Friday, April 4, 2014

La Golondrina ('The Swallow')

Written in 1862 by Narciso Serradell Sevilla, this is a popular waltz melody that has crossed over from Mexican to Mid-western polka bands and beyond. Youtube has versions by Nat King Cole, Placido Domingo, and Chet Atkins. Elvis did a version with new lyrics in English, 'She Wears my Ring'.

La Golondrina is featured in The Wild Bunch:




Here's a version where they're playing a spanish double-reed horn called a Dulzaina  --


Finally, one by concertina great, Syl Liebl: