MENTION the piano accordion to many people, particularly jazz musicians, and you can expect to be met by faces wreathed in expressions of disapproval.

With one notable and honourable exception that is: when the conversation includes a reference to the immensely-talented Richard Galliano.

Even among the most bigoted anti-accordion legions, Galliano is acknowledged as a master technician. You don’t get to work with American and European luminaries like Chet Baker, Joe Zawinul, Toots Thielemans, Ron Carter, Michael Petrucciani and Jan Garbarek unless you are considered their equal on your instrument. Galliano was accepted into that illustrious company.

His latest CD, Love Day, was made at Capitol Recording Studios in Los Angeles, which Galliano describes as a “mythical place”, amid the “vibrations” of such greats as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Count Basie and Quincy Jones.

The musicians who accompany him, Charlie Haden (bass), Mino Cinelu (drums) and Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) are among the very best and the tracks, all original compositions by Galliano, have been inspired by how he sees the various stages in life from birth through to twilight.

There is plenty of renewed evidence on the 12 tracks of Galliano’s mastery of a particularly difficult instrument, not that any was needed.

It may well go a long way to converting those who still harbour anti-accordion prejudice, if only they will give it a listen.

l We, and by that I mean the musicians involved in the jazz scene locally, have suffered another loss with the death of Maureen Duckwoth, at the age of 64.

Along with her partner David Hamilton, she had been an ardent and loyal follower of Jeriatric Jazz, the Art Lester Big Band and the Ron Hayes Big Band, turning up week after week at their various gigs and venues.

I have said on numerous occasions that jazz musicians aren’t motivated by money, as their financial rewards are often barely enough to cover the expense of reaching the gig and having a couple of pints.

We love to play, but depend on the continued support of people like Maureen and Dave to keep our bands going.

In return, enthusiasts who turn up at the gigs very quickly make friends, and evidence of this was surely provided by the many people who attended Radcliffe Crematorium to say goodbye to Maureen and the subsequent wake at “Dobbies” Social Club, where Jeratric Jazz, Terry Desmond and a number of other singers, with whom she had become close over the years, performed many of her favourite tunes.

Maureen was a delightful lady, with a ready smile. She will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

l When recently reviewing Stacey Kent’s latest CD, The Boy Next Door, I mentioned that concerns about her health had prevented her touring the UK.

I have subsequently learned that Ms Kent has been suffering from breast cancer but, happily, has made a full recovery.

Hopefully, she will appear in concert in our area in the not-too-distant future and I will pass on any relevant information when I receive it from her management company.