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When Ridgemoor Record Co. was sold to Chicago Polkas, there was a master tape recorded by the Casey Siewierski Orchestra that was overlooked and never released. In this, their last recording session, they recorded in a different style than their previous albums. Joe Oleksy who normally played trumpet, switched to violin. He provided rhythm, coming in on the off beat. No drums were used. They were replaced by a bass fiddle. The result was a clean, smooth, authentic sound. See below for selections.
At the age of 21, Casey married his childhood sweetheart and was inducted into the United States Air Corps. While in the Service, the Siewierski Brothers orchestra was disbanded. John went on to play trumpet for Eddie Zima, while Eddie performed with many other bands.
After Casey was discharged from the Service, he started searching out musicians in order to from a group of his own. Li’l Wally asked Casey to join him instead, so he did. That’s when Li’l Wally and The Harmony Boys came into existence.
Even though Casey reached success with Li’l Wally, that wasn’t enough. He had a dream—to make his own kind of music. And so, Casey decided to establish a group of his own. With his own band, he then recorded a 78 rpm record, which was never released because of problems involving the Union. Refusing to give up, Casey persisted and in 1948, he recorded his "Carousel Polka" for Balkan Records, catapulting his new career. From that time on, Casey’s distinctive style originality, and recognizable technique awarded him the admiration and respect of fellow colleagues.
Casey appeared in numerous cities all over the country, on TV and radio shows, and at benefits. He composed over 700 songs and recorded for such labels as Ridgemoor, Jay-Jay, Rola, Bel-Aire, and Chicago Polka Records. He gave his music and lyrics to other bands and guided many young musicians in the polka field. In fact, one of his two sons also became a musician with a group of his own; the other son is a free-lance artist.
Because of his love for good Polish music, Casey remained very active and, in fact, recorded another LP for the Chicago Polkas label just prior to being inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame.
Selections:
1. Can't Sit Still Polka
2. Oberek From Tarnow
3. Where Were You Johnny Polka
4. Silly Goose Polka
5. Hopping Around Polka
6. Loving Mary Polka
7. Give It A Go Polka
8. Ruffled Feathers Polka
9. Leaving Krakow Polka
10. Highlander Medley Polka
11. Once Around Oberek
12. Hit The Road Polka
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Features
- Compact Disc
- 12 Selections
- All Instrumental
- Total Time 29:00
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