ABOUT US
Based in Ipswich, Suffolk, the group of accordionists that is now Mellow Bellows has been playing together since 2006. Along the way the original two accordions have been joined by a third accordion, a flute and percussion. Members of the group perform in various combinations of two, three, four or five musicians, depending on the type of event, the availability of members, the direction of the wind and other imponderables.
We are proud to be wholly acoustic, depending entirely on bellows, lungs and elbows to create our sound. Even the little lights on our music stands run on batteries. Having said that, we are not averse to being miked and amped up if the occasion requires it.
We enjoy playing a wide variety of music – including popular standards, swing arrangements, Latin American dance music (from tango to samba and bossa nova) klezmer, light classical, traditional British and world music. Our search for new tunes never ceases, and we relish the challenge of putting together a programme to suit a particular event.
Most of our performances take place in village halls, churches and other small venues. For the last four years we have taken part in Ipswich Music Day, and in November 2009 we gave a lunchtime recital organised by the Ipswich Arts Association www.ipswich-arts.org.uk. In September 2009 four members played at an outdoor shamanic wedding celebration, and over the last three years we have played at Burns night parties as a three-piece. We also played at a pub-based beer festival in May 2010 www.dovestreetinn.co.uk. Christmas is generally a busy time, and we have produced copies of our own Words Book with a selection of popular carols and Christmas songs so that audiences can sing along. At other times some of us can be found playing at small private functions put on by local clubs, societies and organisations, birthday parties and themed coffee mornings. If it needs an accordion (or more), we can be there!