Video: Sam Reider composed – “Quintet for Accordion and Strings, Movement 1”
Premiered by Sam Reider and Del Sol Quartet at Center for New Music, SF on May 15, 2022.
Video and audio recorded by Jacob Blumberg

Sam Reider is a very versatile musician, excellent on both accordion and piano. In this article, you will read about his upcoming performances all over the USA. About the NPR program: It’s a very special thing when two musical cultures come together to create something that didn’t exist before. That is what happened in this performance from Venezuelan cuatro master Jorge Glem and extraordinary accordionist Sam Reider, as they set up behind the Desk for a set of highly creative, original music from their project Brooklyn Cumaná.

Sam Reider is an accordionist, pianist, composer and singer from Brooklyn. A jazz pianist turned folk musician, Sam has spent the last eight years redefining American roots music on the accordion. His original music draws inspiration from sources ranging from Woody Guthrie to George Gershwin to Ennio Morricone. Sam has been featured on Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” on NPR, the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, toured in seven countries overseas, and appears regularly at Jazz at Lincoln Center and major festivals nationwide.

Glem’s dexterity on the small, traditional guitar-like instrument is evident from the very first notes of “Skeleton Rag,” as he plucks out a percussive, staccato pattern that is more Brazilian than the sweeping strums of Venezuelan folk music, as Reider leans into a melody that could easily be folkloric if it wasn’t something he dreamed up. Even as they end the tune at a breakneck speed, it’s only the beginning of the fireworks. “Sábana Blanca y Fuga con Estribillo” which follows, is based on a traditional Venezuelan folk tune and eventually erupts into a rustic exhibition of Glem’s vocals.

After a brief explanation in Spanish about the traditional song forms they work from, the duo eases into “Malagueña Cumanesa,” a lament based on a memory from Glem’s childhood.“Coroticos” is a fiery exercise in an odd time meter that is actually part of Venezuelan tradition and it’s a showcase for how these two virtuoso musicians test the limits of their instruments while they expand our expectations of the accordion and cuatro. The magic of this music is watching both artists completely enjoy each other’s playing, with knowing glances and spontaneous vocal encouragement. See their NPR Tiny Desk concert on YouTube.

Spaghetti is a new electric band featuring guitarist Jim Campilongo, drummer Scott Amendola, accordionist Sam Reider and bassist Mat Muntz.
2.8 – Albany, CA.- The Ivy Room (w/ Spaghetti ft. Jim Campilongo, Scott Amendola & Mat Muntz).
2.9 – San Francisco, CA- Lakehouse Jazz (w/ SpaghettiI ft. Jim Campilongo, Scott Amendola & Mat Muntz)
2.10 – San Francisco, CA- Mellow Sessions (w/ Spaghetti ft. Jim Campilongo, Scott Amendola & Mat Muntz)

Folk Alliance International Conference:
Sam will be showcasing at the annual Folk Alliance International Conference, February 23-24th, in Kansas City with Jorge Glem.
Friday Feb. 23:
6 PM – Official Showcase, Washington Place 3
12 AM – Porch and Park Music Fest, Room 728
1 AM – Heartland Song Network, Room 742
Saturday Feb. 24:
11:30 PM – Parlor Room, Room 753
12 AM – Blissfest, Room TBD
12:30 AM – FLi Artists, Room 718
1:30 AM – Hen House Prowlers, Room 617

The Human Hands in Aiken and Nashville:
Sam will travel with the Human Hands in March. They are returning to Joye in Aiken, one of their favorite festivals. They are also making their first ever appearance in Nashville, for an intimate showcase.
March 7 – Aiken, SC – Joye in Aiken (w/ The Human Hands)
March 9 – Nashville, – The Fiddle Shop (w/ The Human Hands)

Many exciting things are coming up including a big announcement regarding the release of the Human Hand’s new record. Stay tuned!

For further information: sam@samreidermusic.com