The sequel to the
Smithsonian Folkways
Deep Polka
compilation is -- unusually for sequels -- more interesting than its predecessor, as it contains a broader stylistic and regional diversity of American
polka
. No recording dates are given, but it seems likely that most or all of it was done very shortly before the collection's 2002 release date. Seven bands get three or four songs apiece, representing various strains of
: Chicago Polish-American (
Stan Golonka & the Chicago Masters
), Pittsburgh Croatian-American (
Jerry Grcevich
), Nebraska Czech-American (
the Mark Vhlidal Band
), Cleveland Slovenian-American (
Nancy Hlad
), Minnesota Finnish-American (
Al Reko & Oren Tikkanen
), Wisconsin concertina (
Brian & the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
), and Wisconsin Norwegian "polkabilly" (
the Goose Island Ramblers
). It does prove the back sleeve's proclamation that not all
sounds alike, though some of it will please individual tastes more than others.
Grcevich
's tamburitza music stands out with a flavor that's slower and more melancholy than much
, and
Reko & Tikkanen
bring in elements that many wouldn't associate with the style, like banjo, mandolin, spoons, and pronounced minor-key melodies. Other acts are more in line with upbeat dance
, with
blending in hillbilly
country
,
yodels
old-timey
American
folk
sounds on their outings. ~ Richie Unterberger