Nominated For A Grammy Award In 2002
POLKA… It’s a style of music. Most people think of it as dance music. And it certainly can be that, with a vengeance. But its also a listening music. And, as with any other style of music, some polkas are more listenable than others. We hope that our music is on the high end of that scale. Also, some polkas are heavy and slow. Some are light and fast. Some are played well. Some are sloppy and out of tune, as any other music can be. Over the years we’ve listened to, and have been influenced by, polkas of every sort; Polish, Mexican, Slovenian, Czech and German, to name a few. And sometimes, as some gigs, we find that whatever style we are playing, we want the music to achieve maximum power; to shake the walls and brains; to kick-ass. We feel that this was the case at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio on Halloween, 2000. The audience seemed a combination of the curious, the suspicious, and the previously converted. And, although all of the polka lovers in the audience had their own preference of style, it was apparent that appreciation of polka as music unified the audience. And many notable figures from the polka world were there to check us out, including Walter Ostanek, Tony Petkovsek, Steve Popovich, Del Sinchak, Ray Zaolkar, Eddie Rodick, Fred Zqich, Tommy Grahek, Richie Vadnal and Cleveland’s Polka King Johnny Vadnal. It was great fun. We did our thing and felt totally accepted and understood. This CD contains twelve musical moments from that night, recorded on site by everybody’s favorite engineer, Gary Rhamy, and his more than able sidekick, Hank Guzevich (trumpet virtuoso from the Polka Family). We feel that we are part of an incredible community, devoted to this wild, beautiful, underground music. And the coolest thing about where we are right now, is that polka is a wide open frontier with very strong roots that can provide solid guidelines. And like with any other community, although things aren’t always perfect and not everyone gets along, there’s a clear, unifying passion for the music that transcends differences. We want to thank everyone that made the night so special and everyone that makes polka a regular part of their life. I know I’m sounding a little obsessed. But so what? I am obsessed! – Carl Finch
1. Violins Play For Me
2. Kenny Bass Medley
3. Herrgard’s Polka
4. Wooden Heart
5. Skater’s Waltz
6. Westview Polka
7. Hey Baba Reba (Cafe Polka)
8. Atotonilco
9. Mickey Mouse Polka
10. La Paloma Twist
11. Down At The Friendly Tavern
12. Flying Saucer
Jeffrey Barnes – woodwinds, vocals | Carl Finch – guitar, keyboards, accordion, vocals
Bubba Hernandez – bass, vocals | Danny O’Brien – trumpet | Paul Stivitts – drums
Gary Rhamy – live engineer | Hank Guzevich – live engineer
Mixed at Crystal Clear Studios, Dallas, Texas | Ken Stump – studio engineer
Package Design – Northeast Visual Media Ltd.
Photos – Angilee Wilkerson