The Greatest Hits of Polka

Jimmy Sturr (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder
• ASIN: B000EQ5PHS
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,869 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #18 in Music > Miscellaneous > Polka
  • #59 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Polkas

Editorial Reviews

Upbeat and infectious, a good polka is always guaranteed to set toes to tapping and pack any dancehall from Eastern Europe to Western Texas. Now, with the help of 'The Greatest Hits of Polka,' the next polka party is as close as the nearest CD player. Featuring eighteen of polka's biggest hits performed by fifteen-time Grammy^®-winning bandleader Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra, 'The Greatest Hits of Polka' is an essential polka primer overflowing with energy and high spirits. Includes Jimmy Sturr's peerless versions of such classics as "The Pennsylvania Polka," "Beer Barrel Polka," "Helena," and fifteen others. If you are looking for a polka-fueled good time, look no further than 'The Greatest Hits of Polka.'

This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Hits of Polka~Jimmy Sturr., July 1, 2006

By 

Dr. P. G. Scully (Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Greatest Hits of Polka (Audio CD)

This is an excellent recordng.Tune variety;rhythm of the music;vocal arrangements make this cd memorable.I must thank you for bringing Jimmy Sturr to my attention.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hoop Dee Doo, I hear a polka and my troubles are through, November 23, 2006

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Greatest Hits of Polka (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 46:55

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.

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: "Blue Skirt Waltz" provided a nice rhythmic change in the set. A few more waltzes would've been nice.

The Songs: Opening with "Beer Barrel Polka," this sampler from various Jimmy Sturr albums gives both the common and obscure. There well known tunes like "Tavern in the Town," "Yellow Rose of Texas" and "San Antonio Rose" and others that you think you've never heard of ("Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie") but you somehow instinctively know. Also includes Jimmy Sturr's classic renditions of "Pennsylvania Polka," "Helena," and 16 others

The Musicians: Jimmy fronts a full orchestra, but most pieces have featured musicians - vocalist or instrumentalist. Myron Floren's accordion is spotlighted on five selections. His most alluring moment might be "Champagne Polka" with its intricate, but uplifting, key work. Boots Randolph's supple sax jazzes up "Tavern in the Town." Willie Nelson is tapped to sing a couple swing numbers ("Yellow Rose of Texas" and "Just Because"). Other featured vocalists are The Rocco Sisters, Mel Tillis, Jordanaires, Cathy Rocco, Johnny Karash and Frank Urbanovitch.

The Bottomline: The music is lively and upbeat, and it's certainly infectiously danceable. Hoop Dee Doo, I hear a polka and my troubles are through!

Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grandma loved it!!, January 19, 2008

By 

Larissa Carlson (Greeneville TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Greatest Hits of Polka (Audio CD)

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my 97-year-old Grandma--she loved it--Sturr is her favorite Polka artist.