POP MUSIC REVIEW : Accordionist Jordan Entices the Dancers

Steve Jordan, a legendary, colorful figure in Texas’ norteno music circles, has been tagged the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion. Three sparkling, 45-minute sets Sunday at the Radio club by the slight performer, who wears a black patch over his right eye, lived up to his reputation, and only partially confirmed the Hendrix comparison.

Jordan didn’t unleash an explosive arsenal of blazing licks laced with feedback, but, like Hendrix, he has expanded his instrument’s range by loosening up a very traditional style, roping in an array of influences to explore fresh avenues in his playing.

His instrumental style didn’t rely strictly on fast, fluid solos and fills. A tart tone, unusual chord selections and unexpected rhythmic shifts were the other components that created a constantly unpredictable sound.

Jordan is an appealing singer too, and his four-piece River Jordan band adeptly handled some devilish twists in the arrangements as he mixed English and Spanish-language material. He ventured outside the norteno tradition for the zydeco romp “My Toot Toot” and some rhumba-tinged numbers.

But the music never veered too far from basic, enticing rhythms that kept the floor filled with couples dancing--dancing as couples, no less. Jordan is scheduled for a repeat performance at Radio on Sunday.