Pierre “Vetese” Guerino was an Italian accordionist who was born on August 1, 1895 in Gallarate, Italy and passed away on February 24, 1952 in Sevran, Italy. He was descended from Neapolitan zingaros, and became a prominent figure in the French musette scene in the 1920s and 1930s.
Guerino was a major influence on the young Django Reinhardt, who began playing banjo with him at the age of 12. The two musicians developed a close musical relationship, and Reinhardt later credited Guerino with helping to shape his musical style. Guerino’s own style was characterized by his virtuosic accordion playing, which combined elements of Italian folk music, French musette, and jazz.
In the 1930s, Guerino joined the Orchestre de la Boite à Matelots, a renowned musette band that played at dance halls and cafes throughout Paris. It was during this period that Guerino composed some of his most famous songs, including “Brise Napolitaine” and “Gallito”. These songs are still considered classics of the musette genre, and are frequently played by accordionists and musette bands around the world.
Guerino’s music was notable for its combination of technical virtuosity and emotional expressiveness. His accordion playing was characterized by a rich, full sound, with complex harmonies and melodic lines that were both lyrical and intricate. His music reflected his roots in both Italian and French culture, and his ability to blend these influences into a cohesive whole was a testament to his skill as a musician.
Despite his influence on the musette scene in France, Guerino remains relatively unknown outside of accordion circles. However, his music continues to be an inspiration to accordionists around the world, and his legacy as a master of the instrument lives on.
