Polkapalooza

When you've already recorded a hundred albums, what to do you do for an encore? In the case of polka meister Jimmy Sturr, you start up the second half of your recording career with an even blend of instrumentals and vocals, including two vocals sung in Polish. This is also the rootsiest album Sturr has recorded in quite some time and, with the exception of guest shots from Flaco Jimenez and polka vet Arlene Crisson, the focus is squarely on Sturr and his topflight outfit, working these old tunes over like a well-oiled, but very swinging, machine. This is not only well-played music, but also music performed with a sincerity and an enthusiasm lacking in other forms of popular music today, which may go a very long way in explaining why this is album number 101 for this bandleader. If anyone has broadened the base of polka music, it's Jimmy Sturr, and here's a dozen sterling examples of how he does it.