After a few lessons at age eight, in San Quentin no less with a teacher who couldn't read music, Ed and his father went to San Francisco to find a more accomplished accordion maestro.
First, they visited Mr. Cagniazzi, who was stern, said he required students to transcribe their own music, and insisted on practice, practice, practice. This didn't sound too good to Ed.
So, it was on to John Pezzolo, who embraced Ed, gave him the music to El Serio, and helped him learn every note. When he played at home for his father that first week, all his dad could say was "Ed, you're a genius."
That was the beginning, and Ed's father bought him the accordion (shown in the photograph of "Ed Then"), which he plays to this day.
Sharing stories about the music and our playing the music
About Ed Burdisso and Bob Rossi
We've been playing our accordions for 80 and 50 years, respectively, and were neighbors for many years. After an unexpected and rather long recovery from surgery in 2007, Ed needed some cheering up, which to make a long story short led to the idea for 'Italian Classics.'
Rummaging through piles of Ed's old tunes, Bob, his Uncle Ray, and Ed had fun reminiscing and decided on the spot to put together the best of the best and see if any other accordionists might be interested in having copies. Ed wondered if there would be interest, but he knew the tunes were good ones. Ray worried that we might not keep up with the demand (which hasn't been a problem to this point!).
And Bob took on the job of selecting, enhancing, copying, and collating the books.
The rest, as they say, is just a lot of fun. Enjoy!
Rummaging through piles of Ed's old tunes, Bob, his Uncle Ray, and Ed had fun reminiscing and decided on the spot to put together the best of the best and see if any other accordionists might be interested in having copies. Ed wondered if there would be interest, but he knew the tunes were good ones. Ray worried that we might not keep up with the demand (which hasn't been a problem to this point!).
And Bob took on the job of selecting, enhancing, copying, and collating the books.
The rest, as they say, is just a lot of fun. Enjoy!
Ed Then
When the classics were new...
Ed Today
Happy to share...
Bob Performs in Venice
Bringing the classics home...
2 comments:
Hi,
Recently found your italianclassicsforthe accordion website. I was interested the reference to Joe Maggiolo as I took lessons from Joe in the late 1950's. I now live in AZ, I'm a member of the AZ Accordion Club and lead an accordion ensemble (The Squeezemasters).
Phil V.
Phil, you were indeed lucky to study with Joe. He lived around the corner from my grandmother in San Rafael, and my father and uncle grew up listening to him. Later on, in the mid-1950s, Joe could hear me playing for my grandmother.
A very accomplished accordionist, and a very nice gentleman.
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