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Concert accordionist Henry Doktorski has recorded all of Deiro's music -- 47 new recordings including waltzes, rags, marches, polkas, and Deiro favorites: My Florence Waltz, Egypto Fantasia, Sharpshooter's March, and the Broadway hit, Kismet. Doktorski's dashing and sparkling performances of Deiro's music quickly confirm the reason for Deiro's immense popularity.
In 1913, Deiro met Mae West, the young vaudeville performer and burgeoning sex symbol. A passionate romance ensued and the couple married secretly. Henry Doktorski's liner notes candidly detail their relationship, and photographs and newspaper clippings from Deiro's own scrapbooks are included in this two-CD set, consisting of 2 hours and 25 minutes of music.
Guido Deiro's delightful compositions are a window onto an era long past -- an artist delighting audiences with soaring melodies, instrumental virtuosity, and abundant high spirits. This anthology will be exuberantly received not only by accordion aficionados, but also by audiophiles in mainstream music circles, much like the rediscovery of Scott Joplin's music, twenty-five years ago.
To order a copy of Vaudeville Accordion Classics Click Here.
To listen to music excerpts from this recording, go to Sound Files.
Count Guido Deiro (1886-1950), Italian-American composer and accordion virtuoso, was a major force in the popularization of the accordion in the early 20th century. A vaudeville star by 1910, he was the first piano accordionist to make sound recordings and solo radio broadcasts. For many years Deiro was a headline attraction at the great vaudeville houses throughout America and abroad, and made more than 100 recordings for the Columbia record company.
Reviews
Count Guido Deiro (1886-1950) was to the piano accordion as Barrios was to the guitar, Sousa to the marching band, Joplin to ragtime, and Zez Confrey to novelty piano. All but forgotten today (outside of accordion circles), Deiro gained renown in the early 20th century for his virtuoso live performances on the vaudeville circuit. He was a recording industry pioneer and something of a sex symbol (his romance and subsequent marriage to Mae West deserves a book in itself!). Deiro's creative output largely consists of light, supremely crafted, and thoroughly entertaining fare. Who can resist the effortless melodic invention and rhythmic verve of his waltzes, tarantellas, polkas, marches, rags, and semi-classical period pieces?But perhaps only an accordionist can appreciate Henry Doktorski's masterful left-hand-button/right-hand keyboard coordination and effortless control of the instrument's bellows. For example, he knows exactly how much "air" he needs to sustain the soft, cascading runs at the outset of Moonlight Waltz without running out of breath, so to speak. The performances totally respect Deiro's original intentions, yet Doktorski's infectious sense of rhythm (those deliciously-timed solo chromatic runs leading into new sections!) and instinct for landing upon the perfect tempo enlivens the music miles beyond the faded printed pages. Doktorski's marvelous annotations unravel Deiro's colorful life story, with its ups and downs equally accounted for. There's no question that this release lovingly revives a key figure (all puns intended) in popular American music, and I look forward to Bridge's reissue of Deiro's original 78 rpm recordings. Bravo to all concerned!
-- Jed Distler
SPLENDID E-ZINE
We all have our own musical predilections. I used to joke that the Fourth Circle of my own personal Hell was populated by accordion ensembles (the Fifth Circle had bagpipers, but that's another story...). In my own defense, growing up on Long Island, I heard a lot of sub-par accordionists -- a last resort for those whose wedding bands had canceled at the last minute. This recording forces me to eat my words, with a healthy side dish of guilt at casting aspersions on the fair accordion.Guido Deiro (1886-1950) was a colorful figure. In addition to being a prominent composer and virtuoso accordionist, he was also married to famous vaudevillian Mae West. He authored a book on accordion technique, The Royal Method for Piano Accordion (a piano accordion has piano keys in addition to buttons), was the first accordionist to play on the radio, and recorded 112 sides for Columbia, becoming their most prominent Italian-American accordionist.
All of his compositions are available on this substantial two-disc collection, superlatively performed by Henry Doktorski. Sentimental tunes like "Il Pentimento Waltz" and "Lido Tango" recall a bygone era in which unabashed lyricism needed no ironic temperament. Others, like "Deiro's Rag", "Royal Flying Corps March", and his biggest hit, "Kismet Fox Trot", remain stirring dance music, even for those of us uncertain of the steps.
Deiro's music is replete with imagery that recalls the turn-of-the-century immigrant experience in a rapidly modernizing America, personified in vaudeville shows, silent films, European dances, and incipient jazz and ragtime. It is music that looked both forward and backward from its own time. For us, however, it can remain not only a valuable time capsule, but also a musical document filled with timeless expression. What's more, the liner notes, compiled by Doktorski, are filled with period photos and documents that serve as a wonderful visual accompaniment. A real treat.
-- Christian Carey
JAZZREVIEW.COM
Long ago, before the singers were stars, and before there were movies with sound, people went to see live entertainment. One such was Guido Deiro (1886-1950), an accordionist who was something of a cross between Warren Beatty (babe magnet -- in fact, he was married to Mae West, the Madonna of her day, albeit with lots more talent) and B. B. King (popular virtuoso) in his day. Virtually forgotten today, Deiro was a bona fide star -- he played and composed rags, polkas, marches and waltzes specifically for the accordion, which at one time was as popular as the guitar (and the turntable) is today.Unaccompanied, Henry Doktorski has filled two CDs full of Deiro's compositions, and his mastery of the instrument is flawless, full of vitality and genial humor, and he retains the curious innocence and bouncy, Old-World-Meets-New-World wit in Deiro's tunes. While not "exactly" jazz, this music is part of the American crazy-quilt that bred and influenced it.
-- Mark Keresman
ACCORDIONISTS & TEACHERS GUILD, INTERNATIONAL
Henry Doktorski is one of our country's most versatile and accomplished soloists and captures the scope and fire of Deiro's music. He successfully embraces the spirit of vaudeville's Golden Age with authority and danger. His playing, in fact, takes a quantum leap with this recording; he has never worked harder, risked more or achieved greater results than he has here.His command of both hands is impressive, and his Stradella playing was especially good, capturing the sense of when the bass system was a fresh, important artistic element. He blends, accompanies and solos without ever lapsing into what is often heard today (even from accomplished players); that cursive oom-pah-pahing and a sense that we're hearing a bass machine that threatens at any moment to overrun, fall behind or drive the other voices into mindless acceleration.
Mr. Doktorski plays the marches with enviable fire and precision. In fact, Henry displays some of his best playing on these pieces, embracing the fast tempi and intricate cadenzas with clean phrasing, spacious dynamics and lots of spirit.
It's a tribute to Deiro's talent that the music is still enjoyable and tells us so much about the man and the times. Guido Deiro, Jr., and Mr. Doktorski are to be congratulated for beautifully and affectionately producing this album.
-- Dr. Paul Allan Magistretti
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
Classical CD Reviews
Speaking of accordion, here's another disc which doesn't fit either our classical or jazz sections. It's from a classical label so lets deal with it here.This is an absolutely fascinating musical and literary document, and let me point out right away that the recordings are newly-made - not of a historical nature. Count Guido Deiro lived from l886 to 1950 and was a main figure in popularizing the accordion in the early 20th century. He was performing in vaudeville by l910 (I'll bet my father, who was a touring autoharp virtuoso at about this same time, must have run into Deiro.)
He was the first piano accordionist to make recordings and to do solo radio broadcasts. In l913 Deiro met the young vaudeville performer Mae West; they had a passionate romance and married secretly. Doktorski details their torrid relationship in his liner notes and there are items from Deiro's own scrapbooks. The Italian count evidently kept careful track of his compositions, and Doktorski has been able to record all 47 of his rags, marches, polkas, waltzes, novelty tunes and other music which he wrote. They are fairly simple light music of the period and of course sound quite dated now, but the virtuosity of some of them is quite unexpected.
For nearly two decades Deiro was one of the most popular musicians of the vaudeville stage. He had an opulent lifestyle with women who attended his concerts attracted to him; his life was not unlike that of a modern rock star. Deiro had a studio in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach and inside the back of the jewelbox is a photo of it, though uncredited.
-- John Sunier
AMAZON.COM.UK
New Classics -- Instrumental Music
On this unique 2-CD set, Henry Doktorski gives dashing and dexterous performances of Deiro's music, with 47 delightful compositions that include Pink Slippers Valse, Hand Grenade Throwers March, Deiro Rag, Lola Fox Trot, Valse Pirouette and The Accordion Girl Waltz. This welcome release is a deliciously diverting glimpse into a world that has long disappeared.
THE FREE-REED REVIEW
A monumental recording of great historical perspective. FIRST RATE playing and recorded sound! I am repeatedly impressed by Doktorski's impeccable playing. He has outstanding technique backed with a fine ability to render any musical selection with the "soul" that raises music to an art form.A special treat was hearing The Sharpshooters March played twice: once on Henry's fine Victoria concert accordion, and again on Guido's very own 1924 Guerrini. The other selections on this recording are not only a snapshot of the music of the "Golden Age of the Accordion," but also the types of music our country was listening to early in the century.
I can't imagine ANY accordion aficionado NOT owning this CD; a real winner.
-- Robert Karl Berta
PEORIA AREA ACCORDION CLUB
Springfield, Illinois
Henry Doktorski has created a legacy of recordings that should find their way into the collections of all accordionists and enthusiasts. Doktorski's virtuosity matches Deiro's in every respect. He has captured the spirit and essence of accordion playing that enthralled vaudeville audiences from 1910 to 1930.-- Jay Landers, president
HåKAN WIDAR
Varberg, Sweden
The new CD of Henry Doktorski performing the works of the legendary Italian/American accordion virtuoso Guido Deiro is an important tribute to the accordion world. Mr. Doktorski performs Guido Deiro's compositions in a very artistic way. He has both technical and musical ability to make superb interpretations of Guido's beautiful compositions. This CD is an important contribution to preserving the music of the old accordion masters, and it should be in every accordionist's record collection.
ROGER NIGHTINGALE, Secretary
Waikato Accordion Club
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
I was amazed at the quality and sheer brilliance of the music, and your very fine, clear and spirited playing, including the shadings between 'pp' and 'ff'. I believe that if more people had the opportunity of hearing music like this, and playing like this, the accordion could become very popular again. Especially for music for which it is best suited.
SETH HICKEL, president
Carolina Accordionists' Association
Lenoir, North Carolina
I just finished listening to the CD "Vaudeville Accordion Classics." What a WONDERFUL experience it was! Although all wonderful I think my favorite selection is the Deirina Mazurka.Henry captures the emotion of this period very well. It is all acoustic accordion with no other instrumentation. The songs are very well played. It is clear that Henry is very accomplished. The phrasing is never interrupted by a change in bellow direction. His choice of reed combinations is interesting at times but always appropriate. I think this CD is a MUST PURCHASE for accordion players and lovers.
SUZANNE SMITH
San Antonio, Texas
When I received this CD from Henry Doktorski I was not really prepared for what he has done! To begin with, he is a marvelous accordion talent and obviously feels a connection to this wonderful music. Not only is the music beyond brilliant, the liner notes are a complete history lesson giving us a glimpse of the vaudeville era and it's stars. I would not call this music classical - but classy! It is familiar, "hum-able", danceable - some wonderful tangos! In short, I would highly recommend this CD set (2 CDs!). It is a refreshing change from what most of us play and usually listen to. On a scale of 1-10, it deserves an 11!
PAUL PASQUALI, Executive Director
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
Las Vegas, Nevada
As I listened I had to jump from track to track thinking I can't wait to hear Kismet Fox Trot (and thinking "Gosh! this is my favorite") then jumping to Royal Flying Corps March (and again thinking "Wow! this is my favorite!") and then to Egypto Fantasia (and again thinking the same thing). Soon to realize the entire CD is a real treasure!"
KAREN ADAM, President
Florida Accordion Association
It's AWESOME!
WENDY STANFORD
Lancaster, Massachusetts
I listened to your CD set today, 'Vaudeville Accordion Classics -- The Complete Works of Guido Deiro.' I love it! Thanks for such a beautiful recording and treasure. Your playing is simply amazing, and I'm so happy to have these CDs. Thanks again for your wonderful CD.
FILIPPO BRUZZO
Genova, ITALIA
Dear Henry,I have received your CD today morning, and I have ravenously listened to both. Your performance is, in my opinion, the sublimation of the accordion!!
Grazie e cordiali saluti da Filippo Bruzzo.
MARDY EISLOEFFEL
Belleville, Illinois
"Queen of the Air" really rocks.
JOHN LOMBARD
London, England
The c.d. arrived here this morning, thanksI put it on {here in the office} Everyone that heard it said it transported them to Italy {a few mentioned Naples}
So there --------- ! !
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