Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Palmer-Hughes Accordian Course

Book Three in the Palmer-Hughes Accordian Course (1959) series of instructional booklets (Alfred Music Co. Inc, NY) aims to "maintain interest while promoting thorough understanding and good musicianship", as well as being "principally concerned with the exploration of new rhythms, introducing counterbasses, and developing technical skills." That's all great, but for those of us who don't read music, or play the accordian, let's instead marvel at the superbly illustrated keyart used to highlight the catchy little play-along standards covered here.























(I particulary like this monocled man with the artist's signature under his arm... anyone know anything about "Barth.")

11 comments:

Amber Von Felts said...

Those illustrations are seriously superb! I love the Valkyries, they look so playful. I must say though, I would hate to hear Flight of the Valkyries played on an accordion.

Mr. Karswell said...

Haha, no way Amber-- you know it would rock! Maybe if it was Weird Al and he funnied it up a little with some kookoo lyrics too?

Mr. Cavin said...

Or if it was some kind of Norteño version? Ride of the Narcovalkyries?

I must admit, that Valkyries illustration is my least favorite--it's whimsical, but a little awkward and angular for me--but that's not saying much since this is all such really superb stuff. I really want to see that hayride picture in color. It's very accomplished. It'd be a great Little Golden cover if it weren't cut off for the title. I love the waving girl in jeans.

Colleen E. Conrad said...

Hehe, I like the girl in the first picture. and the mountain king!

It's a pretty good song too! 'specially played by this guy: :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EO1D_npJg

Mr. Karswell said...

Oh man, I love the awkward angularness of the Valkyries image, and especially the uzumaki knees on the horse! I think my fave though is the "Marie Marie" image, cuzza you know'a that guy is'a totally a'going fix'a uppa her a nice'a pizza pie to eat'a for'a dinner tonight, and then'a make'a the sweet a'love'a to her.

Mr. Karswell said...

>Hehe, I like the girl in the first picture.

It's interesting how she's turned AWAY from the guy as they sip from the same drink. Must be those ears!

Mr. Karswell said...

Also Colleen, do you know where I can get a pair of those rad Mountain King shoes?

Mr. Cavin said...

Karswell: I am delighted that you just said Uzumaki to me.

Mr. Karswell said...

And the fact that it actually got to be "uzumaki knees" delights the shit out of me too.

Junji Ito meets Karswell someday, I hope...

Colleen E. Conrad said...

HA! I bet they were crafted by his royal mountain goats? It almost looks as if his beard has a shoe on too!

Mykal Banta said...

This great artwork makes me want to learn the according; which is a testament to the greatness of the artwork.