Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones
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Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones A Brief Biography of Ponty Bone Born in Dallas, raised in San Antonio, lived 15 years in Lubbock and a huge part of the Austin scene the last 18 years, accordionist Ponty Bone is, after all, completely unique...just like Texas. To define his style of music in a word is a difficult task, but, describing his mastery of his instrument, the word most often used is "awesome".
Playing the accordion all his life has given him chops enough to mix his Texas blues with Louisiana Zydeco and, then mix Mexican or Caribbean rhythms with his own wry originals. And, speaking of those originals, it must be said that there's not a more positive, danceable, writer working - who still often takes on political or philosophical subject matter.
Consider these quotes: "Now it's time to Do What You Do Best," "She ain't as Bad As They Say," "Life will get better if you Fantasize" and "Who Is They?; why they monkey with your life?". (By the way, he has 25 of these originals, and lots more, including a journal of his life, on his home page at: www.pontybone.com) As Ponty related a few years ago: "When it comes to my music, I go in the direction my writing leads me. But I guess my music will always be rooted in blues and R & B, with the occasional Third World rhythm thrown in."
His career is documented on many recordings, from old friends Joe Ely's and Jimmie Dale Gilmore's, to his own as leader of The Squeezetones, to other, newer artists like Chris Gaffney from California and fellow Texan, Robert Earl Keen. Always giving something new to each project, he is often called a musician's musician.
Years and years of live work have contributed to a fan base that, quite literally, spans the planet. Writers from publications all over the world have paid homage to Bone as one of the real innovators on his chosen instrument. Even actor and writer Sam Shepard felt obliged to mention Ponty and his band in "Cruising Paradise", a novel published in 1996. Future plans include the completion of his newest CD; then, more of the travelling and performing he has been doing for decades, and, as always, continuing to craft more of his unique songs.
If Ponty Bone & The Squeezetones come to a venue near you, get out and see them; you are not going to be disappointed.