Mark Roberts

Niagara Region based musician and songwriter.

[bigwhitedogmusic]

Niagara Region based musician and songwriter, Mark Roberts, is known for putting a little squeezebox into just about everything he composes.

Little wonder. After beginning his musical studies on the accordion at age 6 under Boris Borgstrom, he quickly progressed. He became Canadian champion by age 14 and competed on the world stage in the prestigious Coupe Mondiale for three years. While working on his ARCT, Mark’s career took a different path.

It was not until many years later that Mark discovered the joy of composition. His lyrics, drawn from the rich tapestry of life, are expressive and impactful, while his melodies are memorable.

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This is an accordion version of the great swing Tex-Mex song as performed by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. I try to emulate the effect of Bob's slurred style while playing the second accompanying violin string.

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Classic polka that I recorded with friends, John Dortmans, Lawrence van Lieshout, and Casey Gordijn (The Reedjammers), with Klaas van Graft on guitar.

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Lovely Dutch waltz celebrating the Jordaan area of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, composed by Louis Noiret and made famous by Johnny Jordaan.

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I recorded this famous piece, many years ago, on my Pigini accordion for a charity project organized by John Dortmans. Many artists and friends of his were on the CD and I am honoured to have been asked to add several tracks. Having been to Granada many years ago with my wife, I can say it is a magical place steeped in history.

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Fun, easy rock track about having a birthday, putting the pedal to the floor, and "Let's Party". Can find on https://bigwhitedogmusic.bandcamp.com...

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A song about seeing someone that you desire and having the nerve to ask them for a dance. Sometimes surprises happen!

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Fun track about finding a special relationship.... with a twist. Artwork by @inky-squid-art

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Beautiful song by Astor Piazzolla performed on free bass accordion. It is a melodic piece full of longing and passion.

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This wonderful nuevo tango by Astor Piazzolla is performed by Mark Roberts on free bass accordion.

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Song about the uplifting and empowering feeling of being in love and having someone special to care for. Features solo accordion.

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This song is about a man going off to war, but promising to his love that he will return to her loving arms.

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Song about an older man finding young love and accepting that it will not last. The lady has so much in life to experience and explore and that is alright... the man remembers when he was younger and understands.

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Romantic song about falling completely in love and hoping those feelings will be fully reciprocated. Has a nice relaxed, chill vibe.

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Many years ago I had the pleasure of being friends with a very gifted balalaika player from Eastern Europe. His name was simply Momo. One day we got together and spontaneously recorded four classic songs. In the ensuing years, I have lost touch with my large friend, but the recordings remain. Accordion and balalaika are a marvellous pairing… l hope you enjoy.

[bigwhitedogmusic]

Many years ago I had the pleasure of being friends with a very gifted balalaika player from Eastern Europe. His name was simply Momo. One day we got together and spontaneously recorded four classic songs. In the ensuing years, I have lost touch with my large friend, but the recordings remain. Accordion and balalaika are a marvellous pairing… l hope you enjoy.

[bigwhitedogmusic]

Many years ago I had the pleasure of being friends with a very gifted balalaika player from Eastern Europe. His name was simply Momo. One day we got together and spontaneously recorded four classic songs. In the ensuing years, I have lost touch with my large friend, but the recordings remain. Accordion and balalaika are a marvellous pairing... l hope you enjoy.