Lively, upbeat, infectious and danceable
J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Playing Time - 36:19
Who They Are: By his junior year in high school, Jimmy Sturr, a young man of Irish descent, was fronting his Orchestra in Florida, New York, a fertile area to where European immigrants brought their culture, music and farming skills. Now, 14 Grammy Awards later, the big band is still primarily a polka band although its repertoire includes songs from rock `n' roll, country, Cajun and western swing works also. Special kudos to those key band members who have been with Jimmy for over two decades: Johnny Karas (tenor sax, vocals), Eric Parks (trumpet), Dennis Coyman (drums), and Frank Urbanovitch (fiddle, vocals).
What They Do: This hard-working and prolific band tours extensively and has appeared in some very prestigious venues. Their music is spirited, energetic, infectious and stimulating. His creative approach has been to adapt hits from other genres to the polka tradition. So the American melting pot is also reflected in his own simmering musical cauldron.
Any Recommendations: "Dance With Me" and "Sweet Memories of Yesterday" provide nice rhythmic changes in the set. A few more waltzes would've been nice. Jimmy's albums seem to be getting a little formulaic. I wonder if they'd consider arranging and recording a Polish Krakowiak, a dance from the Polish state of Krakow. It would also be a blast to hear them draw repertoire from Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonia, Bulgarian, Moldavian, Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian material. I'd love to hear them really tear up a Sicilian Tarantella, a Grecian Hassapiko, or Ukrainian Kolomeyka !
The Musicians: Jimmy fronts a 14-piece orchestra, and most pieces have featured musicians - vocalist or instrumentalist. Steve Swiader and Al Piatkowski's accordion solos are spotlighted on "Acoordions on Fire." Mickey Raphel guests on harmonica on "Miss Molly" and "Sweet Memories of Yesterday." The former never loses any rhythmic intensity when it modulates between keys. Bobby Vinton is the special guest vocalist on "Polka in Paradise." Louis Nunley (of The Jordanires) sings "Sweet Memories of Yesterday." Other featured vocalists (from the band) are Gennarose, Johnny Karash, Frank Urbanovitch, and Jack Calhoun. The Jordanaires incorporate their fine background vocals into the mix.
The Bottomline: Another excellent production of lively, upbeat, infectious and danceable music.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross"
