Kepa Junkera, Riccardo Tesi, John Kirkpatrick - Trans-Europe Diatonique (1993)

Historic trio created by Basque musician Kepa Junkera featuring three European masters of diatonic accordion.

"Kepa Junkera was born in Bilbao (located in the Basque region of Spain) in 1965. His first musical dream was realized when the band Oskorri became interested in a boy who played the trikitixa (Basque diatonic accordion) with such extraordinary skill. From 1983 onward they have shared an uninterrupted musical friendship and Junkera has played on all Oskorri albums as well as been a guest performer on several of their tours and concerts. A composer as well as a performer, Junkera’s first original pieces were recorded in 1988 on the album Kepa, Zabaleta eta Mutriku. His two subsequent albums, 1990’s Triki Up and 1991’s Triki Zoom, are outstanding examples of a blend between jazz and trikitixa dance music. In 1992 Junkera’s European experiences were reflected in Trans-Europe Diatonic, a special diatonic accordion trio project with John Kirkpatrick and Riccardo Tesi. The album, recorded in Belgium and followed by a long European tour, was the genesis of many international friendships Junkera has continued to nurture. […] Junkera’s music is a fascinating blend of tradition and contemporary elements. The harmony, mix of rhythms, melodies, and use of language are all things that make this self-taught young musician one of the most important exponents of the trikitixa, the most international of Basque instruments, as well as one of the most vibrant musicians on the world music scene today. "(World Music Central)

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