Sometimes a different twist on an old tune can make it sound totally new again. That’s how I feel about the often-maligned “Lady of Spain” after finding this conjunto-style version played on accordion and bajo sexto. Now I just have to get Anna to learn it on her new button accordion…

When he was a young accordion prodigy, Joel Guzman earned the nickname “El Pequeno Gigante” (“The Little Giant”). Years later, Joel is famous for combining traditional Mexican music with blues, rock, country, salsa, and other genres to create a unique style all his own. In 2004, he teamed with fellow Tejano accordion legends David Lee Garza and Sunny Sauceda to record Polkas, Gritos, y Acordeones, which won the Grammy for Best Tejano Album. Currently, he plays with his band Aztex and his wife, Cuban-born singer Sarah Fox.

After watching this incredible video of Joel jamming at a workshop in Texas, I can’t wait to see him and Aztex at the Cotati Accordion Festival later this month:

John Jennings wrote in to tell us about an accordion gathering this Saturday, August 12th, in San Jose, CA, at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana. All players, from beginner to pro, are invited to come play and learn tejano/conjunto/norte?o tunes, and even non-accordionists are welcome to join in the fun (break out the bajo sexto!). The event runs from 10am to 2pm and will take place outside on the patio at the back of the main library room. If you can’t make it this Saturday, don’t worry — the group meets monthly on the 2nd Saturday of each month.