WOMEX is now just a fond memory - one of the fondest of which was the Swedish band Väsen who turned in a remarkable performance that was a dazzling display of musicianship. In particular, it was a pleasure to see and hear guest mandolinist Mike Marshall and his interaction with Väsen’s guitarist Roger Talroth. I am now in Torres Vedras, a lovely, small city in Portugal that has hosted an international accordion festival for the past five years. I’m here to observe a residency: accordionists Martin Lubenov (Bulgaria), Renato Borghetti (Brazil), and the Portuguese quartet Dançes Ocultas have been preparing to perform together – not separately, but colaboratively. For the past few days, they have been finding common musical ground and the sounds are very exciting. Each musician brings a different orientation to the project: Borghetti’s music is especially rhythmic, Lubenov’s playing is somewhat linear (though both accordionists can play at breakneck speed), and Ocultas creates highly textured, ambient music, so the potential for a well rounded program is very much there. The purpose of the festival is to see how people from different cultures can be united by a single element - in this case, the accordion. I’ve been promised videotape of the festival, so you will soon see and hear what I’m writing to you about.