At Salúte’s International Bar on N. St. Mary’s Street in San Antonio, Tex-Mex Accordion wizard Steve “Esteban” Jordan still makes his Friday night gigs, even though his health continues to decline. On October 23rd, Jordan only played about half of the songs that night, with nephew Robert filling in throughout the three sets. And while Robert is a technically excellent player, the consensus among the crowd is that he was not the innovator, the musical genius, the great accordion master that created the music that he copies so well. When Robert plays, the music is excellent. But the audience can tell they are not in the presence of greatness whenever he takes the stage.

According to Azeneth Dominguez, Saluté’s owner, Jordan’s health is deteriorating. His cancer has spread and he is unable to take his medication. Not that Jordan would want anyone to feel sorry for him. He will play as long as he can. And it would probably surprise no one if this unique musical innovator died onstage, with his sons backing him up.

According to son Esteban Jordan III, one of the members of Esteban Jordan y su Rio Jordan, the new single “Carta Espiritual” should be released on their website — estebanjordan.com — later this month.

And if you haven’t heard Latino USA’s hour-long radio documentary on Esteban Jordan, see it below.

In mean time, accordion innovators like Jordan remain a vanishing breed. See this master while you can.

No Rules: The Life & Music of Esteban ‘Steve’ Jordan from NPR's Latino USA on Vimeo.