Frank Sears diatonic accordion
Already at age 8, Frank displayed a marked
interest for traditional music and the diatonic accordion, a
predilection inherited from one of his uncles, a self-taught musician.
A few years later, through a chance encounter, he was introduced to
celebrated accordion master Philippe Bruneau who offered guidance and
didactic tools to help perfect his technique. Wishing to broaden his
knowledge, perfect his style and develop his own working methods, he
then began exploring the various repertoires and stylistic traits of
some of Quebec’s best performers. In september, 2003, Frank
was joined by classical guitarist, Sébastien Deshaies and
versatile guitarist and bassist, Marc Benoit, thus giving birth to
L'Anche à Deux Cordes.
Frank’s many accomplishments include: representing Quebec and
its rising generation of musicians in a formal concert at
Montmagny’s prestigious Carrefour mondial de
l’accordéon in 2004, two compact disk
collaborations (Arc-en-son, 1997 and Québec Folklore de
l’AQLF, 2003), performances with Yves Lambert and Gregory
Charles, and a role opposite Philippe Bruneau in an NFB documentary
production on the latter musician’s career. For several
years, Frank was one of the accompanists of traditional dance troupes
Les Éclusiers de Lachine and Les Bons Diables de Laval,
touring with them in the US, Europe, Mexico and Puerto Rico. He
periodically joined the dancers and musicians of the Rapetipetam
ensemble in showcasing Quebec step dancing as a revamped percussive
form. He was awarded the 2006 Dorothy Hogan Prize, attributed to the
most outstanding artist of the emerging “trad”
generation. In November, 2006, we learn that the group’s
album, L'Anche à Deux Cordes: Musique traditionnelle du
Québec has been nominated by the Canadian Folk Music Awards
in the «best instrumentalist \ Group» category.
Now, Frank continues to share his love and passion for his instrument
and the music of Quebec and the British Isles through coaching and
frequent stage performances both here and abroad.
Available formula :
Duo Frank Sears and Sébastien Deshaies
(diatonic accordeon, guitar, violin, piano)
*Formulas with three or four musicians are available on request.
