Born in Barcelona in 1981, Pere Romaní is a musician, accordionist and arranger who has loved music for his entire life. He sang in the choir, learned piano, recorder and chamber music. Then, at age 17, he began his intensive study of diatonic accordion and folk music. He attended Aula de Música Tradicional i Popular, and folk music became his profession. He obtained a degree in ethnomusicology and has also learned to play mandolin and Catalan pipe and tabor. He also still sings in the choir, performs and records with various bands including 21 BOuTONS and Ratafia. Pere Romaní has also been a musician/actor with Companyia ComSona for the show called Flok!

On his first solo album as leader entitled Harmonic, Pere Romaní presents 14 of his enchanting original instrumental compositions. In fact, you can find the scores for these beautiful tunes, along with many others, in his self-published book, “36 Composicions.” He writes melodies with a flair for lively, spirited dance steps. His accordion playing is happy and full of pep, and as a mandolin and bass player myself, I particularly enjoyed the contributions of Héctor Beberide (mandolin) and Joan Tomàs (upright bass). Marc Vall’s percussion is also featured on three snappy tracks, “Cercle a L'Haran,” “Xot... No!!!” and “Arin-arin a L'Iker.”

Six tracks feature the cohesive sound of the ROMANÍ trio, and these pieces reflect the writer’s astute understanding of Catalan folk music, as well as English contra dance music and European ballroom dance traditions. “Xotis de la Notícia / Xotis de Rocacorba” is a relaxed medley of tunes, the first that appeared in a moment of joy and surprise, and the second, in the calm surrounded by nature while playing his accordion in the mountains. “Igualada,” “Polca a L'Arnau” and “La Barraqueta” are showpieces for Pere’s diatonic accordion, played solo.  

I also enjoyed the bouncy trio arrangements of “Blanc,” “Ball Pla / Corranda de Marsinne,” “Rumba de Ratafia / La Tònica Dominant,” “Tot Té Remei” and “Vals Feliç.” Translating the last two titles will give you an indication of Pere’s inspirations for his inspired music, “Everything Has a Remedy” and “Happy Waltz.” These are confident, optimistic, hopeful and happy tunes that make you smile and tap your toes. I am very tempted to pick up a copy of his tunebook and introduce some of his compositions like “Happy Waltz” to my fiddling friends in Oregon. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)