“Sheer loveliness [to] relentless experimentalism [to] out and out zaniness.”
– New Music Box
A major project from leading new music accordionist Guy Klucevsek, out-of-print for nearly two decades, has been re-released by Starkland in its most comprehensive edition yet. For his original “Polka From the Fringe” undertaking, Klucevsek commissioned over two-dozen two-steps, resulting in highly diverse music from a wide variety of composers.
This double-CD release offers 29 polka pieces, ranging from Elliot Sharp’s punk-infused "Happy Chappie Polka," Fred Frith’s humorous "The Disinformation Polka," and John King’s slyly political "Solidarity-Polka Song" about a one-legged polka, to Carl Finch’s (of Brave Combo) beautiful "Prairie Dogs," William Obrecht’s witty "Guy, Won’t You Play Your Accordion," and Dick Connette’s poignant "Wild Goose."
In addition to two pieces by Klucevsek, other composers include: Mary Ellen Childs, Anthony Coleman, Tom Cora, Guy De Bievre, William Duckworth, Steve Elson, David Garland, Peter Garland, Daniel Goode, Rolf Groesbeck, Robin Holcomb, Phillip Johnston, Joseph Kasinskas, Aaron Jay Kernis, Mary Jane Leach, David Mahler, Bobby Previte, Bill Ruyle, Carl Stone, Lois V Vierk, and Peter Zummo.
Starkland’s 24-page booklet features complete lyrics, updated commentary from Klucevsek, and a freshly penned Introduction by Elliott Sharp.
Klucevsek’s concerts debuting these works were highly praised:
“BAM finally unearths a real gem: Guy Klucevsek, one of New York’s most imaginative, least pretentious composer/performers. The collection of polkas he’s commissioned makes a fun and very revealing snapshot of new music in the ’80s.”
– Village Voice
“The omnipresent oompah that makes a polka a polka was displayed, stretched, bent, twisted, mocked, abstracted and exalted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The occasion was Polka From the Fringe.”
– New York Times
The original two CDs landed on the “Best Recordings of the Year” list by John Schaefer on his New Sounds program.
Starkland’s other Klucevsek CDs have received impressive kudos. “Transylvanian Softwear” was awarded a “Recording of Special Merit” from Stereo Review. “Free Range Accordion” was deemed “a funny, rich, and meaningful expression of this great American squeezeboxer's brilliance” (Santa Barbara Independent). ”Teetering on the Verge of Normalcy” is “wonderful” (Brooklyn Rail) with “music that is nicely accessible but nonetheless extraordinary” (Gapplegate Music Review).
The digital version includes a specially created, bonus 29-page digital booklet, which includes all the content found in the physical CD.
ABOUT GUY KLUCEVSEK
Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. “A master of experimental accordion music” (Keyboard), this “rebel with an accordion ... combines poker-faced wit and imagination with command of his instrument, forcing you to re-think the accordion’s limitations” (Downbeat). He has played with an illustrious variety of pre-eminent composers and musicians, including Laurie Anderson, Tom Waits, Natalie Merchant, John Zorn, Pauline Oliveros, Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Kronos Quartet, Brave Combo, and Alan Bern. Klucevsek has also appeared on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and accompanied soprano Renée Fleming at the memorial service for Senator John McCain. He has received the distinguished United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given to “the most compelling artists working and living in the United States.”
supported by 5 fans who also own “Guy Klucevsek: Polka from the Fringe”
Stylistically a kinder, gentler Ceramic Dog album. Don’t get it twisted, Marc is still very much pissed off. His lyrics offer much fuel for interesting conversation. The band sounds less rigid and more elastic in their sound this time around. Maybe it was the unique method of recording this one, but it stands as their most eclectic release. Not sure why they left off the “7.83 Hz” track from the digital release, however… Lord Dubious
supported by 5 fans who also own “Guy Klucevsek: Polka from the Fringe”
Most recent listen commenced with entering a 54-mile road with no clear exists in Colorado, full of mountains, ice, snow, and no guard rails. Didn't think I was coming back. But, boy, was this opening track made all the more vivid. Love this record! Ongoing Box