KEVIN SOLECKI - SOLECKTIONS
Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers - July 2006
(former University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Professor)
www.accordions.com/jcsommers/
This instrumental album features the accordion in Polish, Slovenian, French, Italian, Mexican, Eastern, Novelty and Standard style selections. It is indeed fun to listen to and, as they say on the album “Enjoy!” In addition, the album has received a Grammy nomination, so a great many more people think so, too.
Kevin Solecki is the lead solo accordionist with Mike Zawojsky also on accordion. Backing them are drums, congas, bass, egg shaker, guitar, banjo and trumpets! The recording is well done and all the instruments have good sound qualities. Both accordionists have had several years of serious accordion studies, including jazz and classical, and have competed in many of the various accordion competitions throughout their student years.
One of the fun aspects of the CD is that among the usual polkas you will find Magnante’s “Tantalizing” and “Accordiana”, and the traditional “Flight of the Angels” performed in different styles. It does make one’s ears perk up and listen!
Since I am not an authority on the different styles of polkas, I cannot comment on that except to say these are well played with nice technique and interesting arrangements. To me, when I hear them, I just want to get up and dance or, at the very least, tap my feet and have a great time listening. I am pretty sure you will, too.
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