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The new CD by the Versatones, Batteries Not Included, continues to keep the Versatones at the top of the polka field with a distinctive and melodic style. Filled with plenty of accordion push, a solid beat and tight horns, this 13 track recording doesn't need the power of batteries to give fans of this Chicago musical dynasty what they crave. From the lead track, Lynn Anderson's "Ride, Ride, Ride" to "When I Look Into Her Eyes, a tune penned by Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr., this one blends old and new, Polish and English, and solid performances by the musicians. "Chlopak," "In the Oak Grove," "Promises," "Good Old Days," and "Sweet Sixteen" also get special mention in this collection. Eddie Blazonczyk, Jr., the man in control of this band, deserves recognition for not only his music, but for his work and determination in keeping Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones a "band in demand." Without him, there would be no versatones and that would create a large void in the body of polka music. Joining J. R. on concertina is Dave "Nigel" Kurdziel on bass, Bobby Zima on drums, Jim Sierzega on trumpet, Steve Rodgers on accordion, Mike Stapinski on clarinet and Roger Malinowski, Jr. on piano. Of course, Batteries Not Included is on the Bel-Aire label.
Steve Litwin
Polka Editor/Associate Editor
Polish American Journal
World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame inductee - 2004
http://www.polamjournal.com/polka/
Eddie Blazonczyk is a native Chicagoan, son of Fred and Antoinette Blazonczyk, who for years operated the Pulaski Village Ballroom and later the Club Antoinette in Chicago. Eddie started playing polkas in the early fifties with a four-piece combo known as "Happy Eddie and his Polka Jesters". They performed at many Polish weddings, anniversaries and other engagements in Chicagoland.
In 1958 Eddie went into the Pop music field as a song writer and recording artist for Mercury Records. Under the name of Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, he recorded a few hits. He toured the country and appeared on television on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and the Jim Loundsbury Show.
In 1962 Eddie came back to the Polka field with a group known as the Versatones. They toured and played in all parts of the U.S.A. and Canada. A Poland European Tour included Italy and France.
Eddie Blazonczyk is also a polka promoter, a disc jockey heard on WTAQ weekly, and president of the Bel-Aire Record Company with studios in Chicago.
Eddie was honored at a testimonial in Buffalo, New York, in 1967, being given a gold key to the city and a gold plaque naming him the Nation's No. 1 Polka Man. This citation was registered with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Some of Eddie's big hit recordings include "Angeline Be Mine Polka" (voted the best single recording of 1969), "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie," "Poor Boy Polka" and "My Girlfriend Katie, Polka."
(Source: www.internationalpolka.com/blazonczyk-eddie.htm)
Selections:
1. Ride, Ride, Ride
2. The Wife You Save
3. Good Old Days
4. My Misery
5. Chłopak
6. When I Look Into Her Eyes
7. Oh How I Miss You
8. Promises
9. In The Oak Grove
10. The Reason For Your Smile
11. Sweet Sixteen
12. Change Of Heart
13. No, No, Never
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Features
- Compact Disc
- 13 Selections
- Total Time: 35:00
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