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Have You Seen This? Two accordions take on 'Star Wars'
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Turns out accordions are cool as long as you sprinkle in some Star Wars. That seems counterintuitive, but it's true. Check it out. - photo by John Clyde


THE DEATH STAR So the accordion has never been my instrument of choice.

As a matter of fact, I remember saying once in my reckless youth that "an accordion can never sound cool." Well, today I am eating my words. I apologize to everyone. I was wrong.

At the Day of Ukrainian Bayan and Accordion, the duo of Vasyl and Victor Kravchuk played "The Imperial March" from "The Empire Strikes Back" and it's going to be one of the greatest versions you've ever heard.

The theme from master composer John Williams is an iconic piece of music that utilizes an entire orchestra to make the theme for one of cinema's greatest villains, Darth Vader. However, with just two accordions the Kravchuk duo nearly manages to capture the sound of an entire ensemble and get the hairs on the back of your neck to stand.

This rendition is so fantastic that I think Vader himself would be willing to waltz onto a rebel ship ready to attack with this playing in the background.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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