Chatterbox with Mel Biggs

Sophie Cavez is a self-taught diatonic accordionist and electric bassist from Belgium. She has firmly established herself in the world of button accordion music, leading her own projects and offering her talent to others in the worlds of concert, balfolk, theatre and storytelling. She has spread a new diatonic sound across the Belgian and international stages, combining power, charm, and sensitivity.Her career spans many collaborations across multiple different European countries and cultures. Her current projects include her own group KV EXPRESS which offers a repertoire consisting solely of her personal compositions in a drum’n bass n’accordeon trio. DUO MONTANARO/CAVEZ, with the French violinist Baltazar Montanaro, with numerous concerts around the world and already a great reputation after 15 years on stage. • SIRUS project with 2 Swedish musicians, Josefina Paulson and Jonas Akerlund. DUO PAULSON/CAVEZ born from the meeting within the Sirus Quartet project, CD 'Murmures' recorded in 2023. SARAÏ with the fantastic Occitan singer Juliette Minvielle and Baltazar Montanaro, the trio was born in 2022 and now tours in concert format and in folk ball format with a repertoire of poems in Occitan set to music by the trio. With a first CD in 2023. Duo project with her partner, JULIEN PADOVANI, pianist from Poitiers. And most recently with FLUENCIA QUARTET - an encounter between the worlds of flamenco, Swedish traditional music and Belgian accordion.Sophie's Links:website | Facebook | Tunebooks & CDsJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn DG melodeon with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes Nov 25/Jan 26:https://stables.org/workshopsLive @ Mel's & ONLINE Double duo house concert 9th December 2025:Info & TicketsVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Bruno Le Tron is a diatonic accordionist based in Brittany, France. It was in the 1980s that he discovered folk dance and Fest-Noz and developed a passion for the diatonic accordion. A few years later, his encounter with Jean Blanchard and Evelyne Girardon marked the beginning of his professional career. In 1990, Bruno wrote his first album, the famous "Valhermeil". What followed was a succession of encounters, musical of course, but above all intensely human. He toured the French and international stages, developing his style, both energetic and sensitive, without ceasing to compose dozens, hundreds of pieces, the most famous of which were covered by musicians from all walks of life. He was one of the founding members and composers of various groups: Maubuissons, a Franco-Belgian creation based on the diatonic accordion and European music, Topanga, a completely original reed trio (bagpipes, harmonium, accordion), Vertigo, which revisits French neo-traditional music, duo Laloy-Le Tron, a diatonic accordion duo dedicated to an energetic and sensitive folk dance.Bruno discovered Balkan music alongside François Heim, with whom he formed the duo Intersection. He also participates in the international project Samuraï Accordion, a European quintet of diatonic accordionists that won the Charles Cros Grand Prix du Disque in 2011. Finally, he is currently working on a new, more personal project: Initium, a concert or Bal Folk based almost exclusively on his new compositions, in which he is accompanied by a clarinet, a double bass, and percussion.This conversation takes place in both French and English, with translations where necessary.Bruno's Links:Website | Tutorial book series | YouTube | Facebook | SoundCloudJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn DG melodeon L2 with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes November 9th 2025:https://stables.org/workshopsDouble duo house concert Live @ Mel's 9th December 2025:Info & TicketsVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Judy Minot is a music educator and musician, and the author of the award-winning book Best Practice, Inspiration and Ideas for Traditional Musicians. She plays piano, accordion (piano and bisonoric), and fiddle in a range of styles including Celtic, Québécois, Playford, jazz, and contra.Judy believes in the power of trad/folk music to bring richness to our adult lives. “Amateur” musicians often compare ourselves, in a negative way, to professionals. But being a dedicated musician does not mean you have to make a living by it, or even perform. If you love making music, you deserve to take yourself seriously and love your own playing, no matter your age, your profession, or your level of playing.Judy herself has never been a professional musician. Instead, she enjoyed a long and successful career in broadcast television and in digital marketing, while playing Celtic/Irish music with Patrick Clifford and Fiona Tyndall, and playing English Country/Playford and contra dances all over the East Coast US. She was on the staff of Folk College, an annual music camp in Pennsylvania, USA. She has recorded with Patrick Clifford, Anna Bosnick, and the band Na’bodach, and her solo CD, Give Us a Tune, is available via streaming on Soundcloud.Judy holds a 4th degree black belt in the martial art of Kokikai Aikido, which she taught at Rutgers University for 12 years. She is also a certified yoga teacher. She has written regularly for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and publishes a regular blog on the concepts of Best Practice. She has taught Best Practice workshops online and in person at many camps and festivals including Ashokan Northern Week, Northeast Heritage Music Camp, and the Northeast Squeeze-In. Judy currently resides in Ireland.Judy's LinksWebiste | Book | Blog | SoundCloudJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn DG melodeon with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes September 28th 2025:https://stables.org/workshopsVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Chris Hall is a 5-time award winning accordion player / vocalist / harmonica / bass / guitar / drums who, it’s said, almost single handedly introduced the sounds of Cajun and Zydeco swamp music to the UK. His first band 'RCajun and the Zydeco Brothers' and founding The Derby Swamp Club started an avalanche of interest in this music. He has headlined festivals all over Europe appearing in several other bands. Chris founded his own agency, Swampmusic, which brought many leading Louisiana bands direct to the UK and Europe. He started his own record label Bearcat Records and hosted his own regular weekly Cajun and Zydeco show on BBC Radio 2. He has appeared an over 30 albums including the works of global music superstars including Paul McCartney, Dave Gilmour, Ian Paice, Mick Green and Pete Wingfield, Kate Bush, Seth Lakeman, Bill Wyman and Mike Harding.His international band Cajun Roosters brought together members from Germany, Belgium, Scotland, France and England headlining theatres and festivals in Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Indonesia, Austria, Netherlands, Poland and the UK.He continues to headline festivals with his various bands and plays locally when he has time with Lil Roosters and The Shamrockers and also plays drums with local band Carla and the Honeymakers. When he’s not out playing he gives classes in Cajun music and also builds, tunes and restores melodeons in his workshop.Chris's LinksSwampMusic website | CajunRoosters website | FacebookJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn DG melodeon with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes September 28th 2025:https://stables.org/workshopsVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Simon Care started playing melodeon at the age of 10, after failing terribly at the Piano Accordion. Playing for Moulton Morris, under the watchful eye of Dave Jolly he eventually ended up playing in the local morris ceilidh band, Captain Thunderbox. After depping in The Cock and Bull Band for Dave Whetstone, he was invited to join The Albion Band. He toured with them for 8 years and recorded 6 albums. After a short hiatus, he then joined roots/reggae band Edward II, where he toured the world until 1999.He formed his own band, Tickled Pink, during this time, and recorded with various artists including Show of Hands, Merry Hell, Little Johnny England, Trad Arrr. In 2009 Edward II reformed and carried on their journey, and recorded 3 subsequent albums. Simon is currently working with Banter, with Tim, Nina and Mark, and regards it as one of his favourite musical adventures .... in total he has recorded over 60 albums - but the one closest to his heart is Two's Up and Two's Up 2 recorded with his long time friend and stunt double Gareth Turner, who we sadly lost in Sept 2023. As he would say "Keep on keeping on".Simon's LinksInstagram | Banter websiteJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicCLOSING DATE 7TH JULY Folk Unbound: The Gathering 14-18th July 2025www.melbiggsmusic.co.uk/folkunboundWilkes' Gob Border Morris recruitment practice 20th July:Contact wilkesgob@gmail.comVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Frankie Insley is a multi instrumentalist based in Newcastle who has a deep love for the one-row melodeon and fiddle. After discovering folk through Morris dancing as a teenager, and completing the Newcastle University Folk Music Degree, she has become a passionate advocate for the joy of folk.Frankie is an absolute force for community folk music and dance. She is the founder of DIY Ceilidh, a chaotic, joyful and hugely popular monthly ceilidh series that is volunteer-run and queer friendly. When she’s not calling ceilidhs she is also heavily involved with Newcastle’s punk scene, performing in her band Bitchfinder General. She also performs with the Newcastle drone folk collective Powtes. Frankie will be guest tutoring alongside Mel and Lucy Huzzard on the inaugural Folk Unbound: The Gathering folk music summer camp for women and marginalised gender musicians looking to gain confidence and explore group music making in a celebratory way.Frankie's LinksInstagram | YouTubeJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn melodeon with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes June 28th 2025:https://stables.org/workshopsApply to join Folk Unbound: The Gathering 14-18th July 2025www.melbiggsmusic.co.uk/folkunboundMel's workshop/session/concert at Birmingham Accordion Centre 5th July:https://melbiggsmusic.co.uk/calendarVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

An accordionist, violinist, singer, composer, and arranger, Martin's artistic approach is open and curious about different aesthetics, from dance music, bal folk, jazz, musette, gypsy swing, contemporary and improvised music. Martin began playing for Balfolk at the age of 13. He built a solid background focused on the traditional music of Western Europe and has been sharing his skills since a young age in music schools and numerous workshops. He also plays in numerous Breton music ensembles. After studying musicology, he moved to Sweden to study music and dance. He works with contemporary dance and explores different aesthetics, including gypsy swing and improvised music. Today, Martin devotes himself to live performance and creation through concerts, musical theater, shows for young audiences, film concerts, and folk dances.Join me this month as I sit down to chat with Martin about his time growing up in Brittanny surrounded with traditional and contemporary folk music, the relationship between the bow of his fiddle and the bellows of his accordion, meeting accordionista Marc Perrone, how it is to learn and work across different European cultures and what public transport means to him as a performer.Martin's Links:Website | Youtube | FacebookJoin my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicLearn melodeon with Mel at The Stables, Milton Keynes May 10th & June 28th 2025:https://stables.org/workshopsApply to join Folk Unbound: The Gathering 14-18th July 2025www.melbiggsmusic.co.uk/folkunboundVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram 

Leija Lautamaja is a Helsinki-based artist and musician specialised in Finnish and Nordic folk music & dance. Her instruments are 2.5 row diatonic accordion, reed organ, electric guitar and voice. She has a Master’s degree in folk music from the Sibelius Academy, with her musical roots in the local traditions of Southern Ostrobothnia in Western Finland where she grew up surrounded by the living tradition of Finnish melodeon playing. Her active bands are Nordic co-operation Floating Sofa Quartet, Finnish folky girl band ENKEL, and The Moontwins - a warm-hearted rock’n’roll duo with one of Finland’s most respected guitarists PK Keränen. Currently she’s working on her singer-songwriter solo album.Join me this month as I chat with Leija about growing up with a champion punk rock guitarist father and how that's influenced her own take on composition, song writing and performance, getting to work with one of her musical heros PK Keränen in Moontwins Duo, nerding out over trad music from other Nordic countries that travels far and wide, and we even touch upon the socio-political history of Finland and how that's likely to have had an effect on the slow growth of social folk dance in Finland. Until Leija got her hands on it, that is!Leija's Links:Website | Instagram Join my PATREON for extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusicFolk Unbound: The Gathering 2025 - Early Bird prices end 14th March!www.melbiggsmusic.co.uk/folkunboundVisit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:www.melbiggsmusic.co.ukIntro & outro music:'Dream Big' by Mel Biggs. All rights reserved.Listen to the full track on my album 'From Darkness Comes Light':www.melbiggsmusic.bandcamp.comGet in touch: chatterbox@melbiggsmusic.co.ukDon't forget to like/subscribe/follow:YouTube | Instagram