Not everybody likes the sound it makes, but Elwyn Ellis describes the accordion as a gift to music. “The accordion makes such beautiful music,” said Ellis, 61. “You don’t really need a group, but it’s ...

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. The music of Will Holshouser defies easy categorization. Streaming services have variously filed his albums as jazz, folk, even easy listening. There's more than a ...

The accordion is gaining worldwide popularity. Germany has declared it the instrument of the year for 2026. This all-rounder ...

Camaraderie and a shared love of the sometimes misunderstood instrument are what bond members of the Chicago Accordion Club. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Members of the Chicago Accordion ...

The accordion may be suffering a worldwide crisis of confidence and popularity, but its plight is especially severe in China. While other musical instruments have flourished over the past two decades, ...

Holshouser turned to accordion when a college pal gave him one as a gift. Martin Johnson reviews his latest album, then Terry Gross hosts Holshouser in the studio for conversation and some music. This ...