http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm
Walt Wagner and the Polka Serenaders Orchestra Present Giant Polkas Featuring Music of the Great Bands of the Connecticut Valley
(Walt Wagner and the Polka Serenaders Orchestra, Mojo Polka Records WJW-04)
Some say that Wagner is an anachronism, a throwback to the sound of earlier polka bands. I say that that's his charm. Finally I can hear what those Eastern-style bands must have sounded like their heyday. Not only is the sound quality good, but the arrangements are rich and varied, and show off the breadth of Wagner's band. They can sound like Witkowski or Sturr or a straight big band. I particularly like Walt's singing on the minor key "In the Pines Polka." The album's concept is to cover songs by the prominent Connecticut Valley bands of the 1950's. I only wish the notes had made clear which song is associated with which of those bands. Otherwise, the notes are ok, crediting the musicians and songwriters. The excellent album art is uncredited, probably produced by some nameless drudge at Disk Makers. Twenty songs, 72 minutes. Best Eastern-style polka CD I've heard so far. A [5-19-04; revised 6-29-04]