January 9th, 2026
Accordion According to Duffy Llama
In this lively and affectionate conversation, Cecil TV host Rob Chirnside sits down with Duffy Llama, an accordionist, songwriter, and lifelong champion of one of music’s most misunderstood instruments. Llama traces his love for the accordion back to age eight, sparked by a vivid childhood moment when his father, a Baltimore-based bandleader and union musician, brought music back to life during a power outage with nothing but an accordion and a violin.
That unforgettable scene, complete with a swooning crowd and a serenading accordionist, sealed Llama’s musical destiny. Over the years, he has written dozens of songs and developed a philosophy that places the accordion at the very center of music, praising its unique ability to carry melody, rhythm, and harmony all at once.
Llama speaks passionately about his mission to restore the accordion’s cultural relevance, describing it as the “elephant in the room” that deserves far more respect and visibility. He caps the interview by performing one of his original compositions, “Scales,” using it as a teaching tool to demonstrate ear training and the expressive power of the instrument. The interview blends humor, nostalgia, and musicianship, offering viewers both entertainment and insight into a performer driven by equal parts talent and purpose.
