Album Notes

Mike Alongi, one the country's premier accordionists, began his performing career at the age of six under the guidance of his father Vincent Alongi one of the midwest's foremost accordion instructors.

As a classical accordionist Mike has performed with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, both as a soloist and in an ensemble role. Along with other Chicago Accordion Association members he founded the Chicago Accordion Ensemble.

As a musician versed in a myriad of styles, Mike has appeared with West Coast jazz accordionist Frank Marocco, Chicago greats Lindy Kao and Mort Herold, former Art Van Damme guitarist Fred Rundquist, and former Tonight Show trumpeter and conductor Doc Severinsen.

As a composer and arranger, Mike has produced and performed on numerous television and radio commercials. His recording titles include 'Polka Update' and 'Everything Old Is New Again'. During the late 1980's, he and his son John composed and performed 12 compositions for the 'Easy Read Fusion' and `Funk Session' drum study packages published worldwide by Percussion Express. In 2000 Mike recorded 'Accordion Illusions' with Russian accordionist Stanislav Venglevski. This CD represents the European style of accordion playing. In 2003 Mike released 'Freshly Squeezed', a jazz CD featuring standards and original compositions.

As an instructor, Mike has privately taught keyboard instruments, jazz improvisation and music theory for over 40 years. His wife, Joan, also teaches keyboard instruments at their studio in Rockford, Illinois. Mike and Joan have two sons, David and John.