The Little Radio - Saxophone Accordion Duet

Wed 5th Feb @ 8.00pm

Iain Ballamy - saxophones

Stian Carstensen - accordion

The resonance of button accordion and tenor saxophone is a rare, rich and beautiful sonority. In the hands of these two musicians it is a combination capable of a great range of moods and textures, at times showing great dexterity and alternately a full and rich resonance seemingly far larger than the sum of its parts.

The repertoire which ranges from Chopin, Satie and Kurt Weil through to classic jazz standards, original works, tangos and children's songs makes a rich and diverse program rarely heard before in a new and imaginative setting.

Stian Carstensen began as an accordionist aged nine; initially studying with his father during which time he played on Norwegian TV, radio, festivals etc. He also toured America playing classical music.

At the same time he harboured an interest in swing, performing standards with his bassist father.

At the age of 15 in a fit of teenage angst, Stian threw away his accordion and began to play electric guitar in a rock band.

Fortunately this brief spell bored him considerably and his interest in jazz re-emerged and he formed a trio. He went on to study jazz at Trondheim conservatory forming his now legendary group 'Farmers Market'.

Stian is currently learning pedal steel guitar has recently been prosecuted under Norwegian law for the unique traffic offence of playing the violin whilst driving. Click here for Stian's Wikipedia page.