Video: “Redbud Winter”

The video above is the new commission from the American Accordionists’ Association composed by Will Holshouser, the first commission to be performed on a world tour.

“Redbud Winter” is performed by Eric Vloeimans, trumpet and Will Holshouser, accordionist and composer. Eric & Will are touring in the Netherlands (Oct./Nov. 2021) and the USA (Sept./Oct. 2022).

“Redbud Winter”: a cold snap in early spring when the redbud trees begin to blossom (expression used in Tennessee). In memoriam Cynthia Shoemaker (1939 – 2021).
This piece was commissioned by the American Accordionists’ Association (2021), and premiered at the AAA Seminars – Dr. William Schimmel, Curator – on July 30, 2021.

Will Holshouser was given an accordion as a surprise when he was still young and impressionable. He has since found a unique niche for himself as an accordionist, improviser, and composer in many different areas of music. He tours regularly with jazz violinist Regina Carter and her band Reverse Thread. He also plays in a collaborative trio with Amsterdam-based improvisers, drummer Han Bennink & saxophonist/clarinetist Michael Moore. This group has a new CD out and has toured in Europe, the US and Africa.

Will’s long-standing trio features Ron Horton on trumpet and David Phillips on bass. Together since 1998, these three have developed a truly unified group sound. The trio has three CDs out on the Portuguese label Clean Feed. Their third CD, Palace Ghosts and Drunken Hymns was recorded in Portugal with the late, brilliant pianist Bernardo Sassetti as special guest.

Will has also played with David Krakauer, Antony and the Johnsons, Martha Wainwright, Loudon Wainwright, Andy Statman, Phillip Johnston, Matt Munisteri & Brock Mumford, the Raymond Scott (tribute) Orchestrette, Roberto Rodriguez, Mark Morris Dance, New York City Ballet, Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others. Will studied composition with Anthony Braxton and Bill Barron at Wesleyan University, where he received a grant to research Cajun and Creole music in Louisiana. After moving to New York in the early 1990s, he studied accordion with Dr. William Schimmel. He now lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and daughter.

Trumpeter Eric Vloeimans has a warm sound and a unique set of original projects that take him all over the world. He has been a guest soloist with many pop, jazz, and classical ensembles.

For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com