Album Description

In December 1995, something happened that will never happen again. For one sizzling week, the frozen plains of Western Canada played host to the final tour of two of the world’s great traditional music icons – Frankie Yankovic and Walter Ostanek. The two front men were supported by a fine cast of musicians; that of the Western Senators Band. Leader Brian Sklar, Lorne Pavelick, Joe Schultz, Jay Michaels, Milt Tyke and Al Robertson formed the foundation of the final tour for then 80-year old Frankie Yankovic. At the conclusion of this final tour, Frankie retired to enjoy three more years with his family before passing away in 1998. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A "live" recording without the atmosphere
This recording was made in 1995, but released in 2000. At the age of 80, America's Polka King Frankie Yankovic launched his final live tour, taking Canada's Polka King Walter Ostanek with him. A live recording almost never sounds as good as one made in a studio, and this one is certainly no exception. To compensate, one expects to be able to soak up some of the atmosphere of the live performance. That is not possible here, because of the way the tracks are put together. Instead of blending the end of one track into the beginning of the next, the producers have elected to end each track abruptly, and begin the next equally abruptly, with a second or two of silence between. Sometimes, Frankie's introductions and outroductions are chopped off in mid-sentence. Far better choices would be Frank's last two CDs, Songs of the Polka King volumes 1 and 2, recorded in 1996 and 1997 respectively. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This collection from Sturr's orchestra concentrates on more traditional polka stylings--chiefly the Eastern style popular in the upstate New York region Sturr calls home. While there is a smattering of American chestnuts (like "We Need a Little Christmas"), the focus is on old-country favorites--which Sturr whips up so delectably, you'd never guess that his heritage is actually Irish.The 12-piece Sturr combo plays beautiful, faithful versions of kol ENDy (religious carols), such as "Aniol Pasterzom Mowil" and "Pojdzmy Wszyscy Do Stajenki," while leaving plenty of room for their dance floor-filling favorites. --David Sprague ... Read more

Album Description

Polka has evolutionized into a Polish-American tradition. Its roots stem from folk traditions of Eastern Europe and has been cultivated by major composers and performers from all over the world. This dynamic and beautiful collection, Polkas Made In Poland, was produced by Poland's State recordings company, Polshie Nagrania, and is meant to be enjoyed by members of every generation and nationality. Sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance, to 29 of the best Polka songs ever recorded- guaranteed to be made in Poland. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Classical/operatic polka music
Eddie Blazonczyk this isn't. Instead of boisterous, beer-guzzling polka music, this CD sounds more like Johann Strauss. Instead of Just Because, you find In the Raciborz Marketplace. Instead of Roll Out the Barrel there is Spinning Wheel. Never heard of the second title in each of the above sentences? Neither had I. It's all pleasant-sounding, classical-style polka music which can be enjoyed from either end of the spectrum. I could have done without the whistling interjected into several of the tracks, even though I never had any problem with "Whoopee" John Wilfahrt's Ye-Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoo in the 1950s. It's good, it's just not expected. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy, yet lively, listening
This is a good example of Tex-Mex, a combination of a polka beat with that south-of-the-border sound. No single track stands out, but it's thoroughly enjoyable throughout. Most of the tracks lack lyrics, but one does not tire of music like this. On the other hand, you won't go around humming the tunes for hours afterward, either. Get it and listen to it often. ... Read more