GIVING THE POLKA KING A RUN FOR HIS MONEY

Why is Lara St John, a virtuoso violinist fresh from a series of well-received concerts and an acclaimed new recording of Vivaldi, so happy about appearing on the “wurst album of the year”?

Since rocketing to fame with her bracing performances of Bach, St John has increasingly strayed from the traditional canon. Her furthest detour to date is surely her membership in the Polkastra, a seven-piece oompah band that indulges enthusiastically in polka-related puns. In addition to some furious fiddling, St John is executive producer of the group’s debut album, “Apolkalypse Now”.

St John isn’t the only member of the band with serious classical chops; Mark Timmerman, the bassoonist, is also in the New Jersey Symphony and Yuval Edoot, the percussionist, has played with the Israel Philharmonic. As one might expect from such an erudite ensemble, bass notes are supplied not by tuba but contrabassoon, and Beethoven melodies crop up now and again. Oh, and some songs also feature a didgeridoo.

Is this all a bit too clever? Not to these ears. The group attacks the genre with genuine gusto, evoking the dizzy, sweaty revelry of a Bohemian beer hall. Advance copies of the recording even encouraged connoisseurs to wonder whether St John and her merry men would challenge polka king Jimmy Sturr at the next Grammy Awards. Sturr has won 18 of the past 24 awards for best polka album. Some say that one of the reasons for assembling St John’s polka supergroup was to knock Sturr off the podium.

It is a shame, then, that last month the Recording Academy announced the cancellation of the Grammy’s polka category. The move was due to dwindling submissions and “to ensure the awards process remains representative of the current musical landscape,” the organisers said. Although this may drain the beer from their barrels, the Polkastra is still performing a vital service. After all, the world is a happier place when songs end with a hearty “Hey!”

“Apolkalypse Now,” by the Polkastra, is out on August 11th. The group makes it first public appearance at Le Poisson Rouge in New York on September 14th.

~ JASON KARAIAN

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Comments

He's right

July 27, 2009 - 18:21 — Judy Grin (not verified)

I saw this album on Itunes a few weeks ago, and bought the title track. After hearing it, I danced my way back to my laptop and got the rest of the songs! Every tune, although very different, put a smile on my face and a spring in my step.

Bravo!

July 28, 2009 - 07:32 — Catherine J. (not verified)

Kudos to MIL for covering true talent and to Karaian for capturing one of the things that makes this band so great -- their fearlessness. They're not afraid to poke fun at themselves or to explore something new.

Excellent article--spot on.

July 28, 2009 - 09:38 — HKline (not verified)

I read this article and was motivated to listen to the recording on iTunes. The writer was spot on and I am grateful for the tip. I pre-ordered the disc on Amazon. Excellent!

Awesome!

July 28, 2009 - 09:47 — Michael K. (not verified)

Well done to Lara St John for taking a chance, having some fun and exploring a genre that most people never consider. It's harder and harder to surprise people musically and this disc succeeds in that, wonderful!

Top of the game

July 28, 2009 - 10:14 — Nick J (not verified)

I haven’t heard a more fun and with the times Polka album to date.

So much fun!

July 28, 2009 - 10:20 — James R. (not verified)

Karaian is right - this album definitely makes the world a happier place. I downloaded it from iTunes, and have been smiling ever since. I am so glad to have heard about it - terrific!

“Apolkalypse Now”.

July 28, 2009 - 10:27 — Denni Jo (not verified)

"Apolkalypse Now" brought back wonderful memories of ever popular polka music in Pennsylvania ca. 1940s. This fresh CD showcases marvelous musicians. Lara St. John plays and produced the CD, not an easy task. The polkas are from diverse cultures which spices up the CD. Aah for those halcyon days of Lawrence Welk when one could stand before the TV and polka. Lara St. John has done it. Buy the CD and LET'S POLKA!!!!!!!!

Go Polkastra!

July 28, 2009 - 10:28 — Jeremy (not verified)

Yes, it's too bad the Grammys cancelled polka. But maybe they can win a Polky? Is there such a thing?

On Music, On Art, On Culture

July 28, 2009 - 14:19 — Mimo Emo (not verified)

I don't know much about Polka.

But I do care about music and art and culture and preserving our shared cultural heritage. And the decision of The Grammy Foundation to "cancel" this particular category this year is at once both significant and disturbing.

Just because an art form is perceived to be unpopular, The Grammy Foundation decides that the musical heritage of Sweden, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Russia, Slovenia and Slovakia - more than 310 million people, combined - is not worth promoting?

I would think that their reaction would be quite the opposite. Yet The Grammy's, instead of reaching out a helping hand to support and promote the diversity and growth of this art form, took it out back and shot it in the head.

Again, I don't know much about Polka.

But the fact that top classical musicians got together to cut a Polka album in an attempt to revitalize this art form if proof-positive that Polka is alive and well. Congratulation to these fine artists for their spirited contribution to this under-appreciated art form and the cultural heritage of hundreds of millions of people across the world!

I was so happy to see my

July 29, 2009 - 16:23 — Kristina Cooper (not verified)

I was so happy to see my favorite publication, writing such a well-deserved rave of my favorite violinist!!!!! It is an AMAZING album! So much fun, produced, played and created with the kind artistry that is rarely seen----I am sure it will be a great hit!

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