A band that knows how to swing, waltz and polka in the same breath. Happy Homestead is subtitled "12 Songs on the Paradox of the Human Condition. . . and a Waltz".

13 MP3 Songs in this album (51:02) !
Related styles: FOLK: Alternative Folk, WORLD: Gypsy

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Details:
Bandleader Gary Mackender formed The Carnivaleros in 2001 after drumming with The Mollys from 1993-2000. During that time he dragged his accordion across the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia and learned how to play it, slipping away to practice late at night after the gigs when everyone else was asleep. Mackender says of the accordion, âitâs even more organic than the drums. It responds to every move, it breathes, it wheezes, it can be loud and demanding yet it can whisper and seduce. Iâve discovered material on it that would never have presented itself on the piano, which is where I used to do all of my writing.â

The Carnivaleros has allowed Mackender a vehicle to record and perform the music he's been writing since those years on the road: strains of Zydeco rhythms mixed with Tex-Mex polkas, moody Eastern European themes and a bit of blues and swing thrown in for good measure.

With Happy Homestead, his third CD, he has penned twelve new genre-bending songs along with a lucky thirteenth thatâs a collaboration with long-time musical cohort Kelley Hunt. And once again Mackenderâs writing is personal yet global. The new CD is subtitled â12 Songs On the Paradox of the Human Condition...and a Waltzâ. And, of course, the tunes are catchy.

Along with Mackender on accordion, vocals, organ, drums and bass, the CD features many of Tucsonâs finest musicians; Carla Brownlee, Chris Giambelluca, Danny Krieger, Michael P., Catherine Zavala, Nancy McCallion, Dante Rosano and Garyâs brother Greg Mackender making a special appearance on the Hammond and vibes.