All Songs Considered - Episode Summary: Alt.Latino: Accordions!

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Felix Contreras and Ana Maria Sayer
Guest: Eduardo Diaz, former Director of the Smithsonian Latino Center

Introduction to the Accordion in Latin Music

In the Alt.Latino: Accordions! episode of NPR's All Songs Considered, hosts Felix Contreras and Ana Maria Sayer delve into the pivotal role of the accordion in Latin American music. The conversation explores the instrument's historical significance, cultural integration, and its enduring influence across various Latin genres.

Felix's Personal Connection and Introduction of Eduardo Diaz

Felix Contreras shares a personal anecdote about his experience with an accordion band during his high school years in Sacramento, California. This story sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the accordion's cultural impact. Recognizing the need for expert insight, Felix introduces Eduardo Diaz, the former director of the Smithsonian Latino Center and co-founder of the International Accordion Festival in San Antonio.

Felix Contreras [00:34]: "From NPR Music. This is ALL latino."

The Magic of the Accordion

Eduardo Diaz discusses the unique physical attributes of the accordion that make it indispensable in Latin music. He highlights its portability, loudness, and expansive range, which have allowed it to blend seamlessly with diverse musical traditions.

Eduardo Diaz [02:44]: "Well, it's not like you can strap a piano on your back, right? I mean, so the accordion is very portable, Right. It's a loud instrument. It has tremendous range."

Accordion in Colombia: The Rise of Vallenato

The conversation shifts to Colombia, where the accordion plays a central role in Vallenato music. Eduardo narrates the introduction of the accordion to the Rio Grande Valley and its evolution into a cornerstone of Colombian cultural identity. He emphasizes the genre's blend of indigenous, African, and European influences.

Felix Contreras [08:26]: "I always thought of, like, what Carlos Vives did for vallenato is sort of similar to what happened with the Buena Vista Social Club, in a way."

Eduardo Diaz [09:23]: "The vallenato is this remarkable miscegenation of indigenous music. Because some of the tambores are indigenous, although some of them are African. The accordion's European."

Accordion in Brazil: Forró and Sertanejo

Eduardo introduces Forró, a vibrant Brazilian music genre where the accordion is indispensable. He explains its rural origins in Northeast Brazil and its transformation as it permeates urban settings. The discussion also covers Sertanejo, another Brazilian genre influenced by Eastern European immigrants, showcasing the accordion's versatility.

Eduardo Diaz [14:58]: "F O r r o, accent on the O is Brazilian music from the countryside, mostly from the Northeast."

Felix Contreras [16:35]: "This is a track called Asa Branca by a guy named Luis Gonzaga... brings Forró out of the country into the city."

Accordion in Argentina: Beyond Tango with Chamamé

While Tango is Argentina's most renowned genre featuring the bandoneón (a cousin of the accordion), Eduardo sheds light on Chamamé. Originating from Northeastern Argentina, Chamamé reflects the region's Eastern European immigrant influences and stands distinct from the urban sophistication of Tango.

Felix Contreras [22:25]: "We're going to focus on another genre, another tradition that comes from there that is not widely known."

Eduardo Diaz [22:38]: "The chamame is again, another rural... style of music derives. They usually play with a large Chromatic piano accordion."

Accordion in the Dominican Republic: Music as Resistance

The episode concludes with a segment on the Dominican Republic, where the accordion features in genres like Pambiche. Eduardo illustrates how music intertwines with political and social movements, serving as a form of resistance against imperialism.

Eduardo Diaz [25:04]: "The music in this case forms part of the resistance to the US invasion in 1960."

Conclusion and Reflections

Felix and Ana Maria wrap up the episode by acknowledging Eduardo Diaz's valuable insights into the accordion's integral role in Latin music. They highlight how the instrument not only enriches musical compositions but also embodies cultural narratives and identities across Latin America.

Ana Maria Sayer [28:11]: "Thank you so much for listening."

Notable Quotes

• Eduardo Diaz [02:44]: "The accordion is very portable... It just lends itself to folks coming from Europe to the Americas."
• Felix Contreras [08:26]: "What Carlos Vives did for vallenato is similar to what happened with the Buena Vista Social Club."
• Ana Maria Sayer [05:40]: "Accordion is so collaborative. It sounds to me in a way to be an expression of identity."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the accordion's multifaceted role in shaping and preserving Latin American musical traditions. Through personal narratives, expert analysis, and cultural context, listeners gain a profound appreciation for this versatile instrument's enduring legacy.