FreezeDried, a Chicago-based polka band, enters bid to bring bring the Polka Grammy back to Chicago. The band's third CD release, "Fear of Rubber Cushions," is on the cutting edge of polka music.
Chicago, IL (Billboard Publicity Wire) October 27, 2007 -- The Chicago-based polka band FreezeDried is on the first round ballot for Best Polka Album for their release, "Fear of Rubber Cushions." The 50th annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be aired in early 2008.
FreezeDried brings Polish push-style polkas to the polka and non-polka fan. They are known throughout the field to be on the cutting edge of polka music. FreezeDried mixes polkas with other music styles such as Latin, zydeco, gospel, Dixieland and rock. Their efforts have inspired other traditional polka bands to take increasingly creative approaches to new material, musical arrangements and showmanship. FreezeDried supports broadening the scope of musical diversity.
"FreezeDried has taken polka music to another level without removing its ethnic character, while being accepted by many out side of the polka circuit," said Mark Janson, Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest.
"We all grew up listening to traditional polka music, with recognized artists such as Li'l Wally and Eddie Blazonczyk. That traditional sound was a strong influence on every one of the band members," said FreezeDried musician, Ted Okrzesik. "What makes us different is that we are trying to take the music to the next level, and reach a younger generation."
Although Chicago is often thought of when the word polka is mentioned, a Chicago polka band hasn't received a Grammy Award since Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones in 1987 for their release, "Another Polka Celebration." FreezeDried would like to help bring a Polka Grammy back to Chicago. They are listed as option 13 on the Category 76 on the Grammy first round ballot.
"Fear of Rubber Cushions," the band's third release, contained their broadest leap in polka diversity. The CD is the only known release in the polka genre to offer multimedia for use on a PC. The multimedia includes videos, lyrics, recording photos, computer wallpaper and a photo montage of the recording process. Three songs on the CD also feature vocals by the female performing group "The Icicles," adding a style reminiscent of Motown and soul to the FreezeDried sound.
"Fear of Rubber Cushions" was recorded on independent label, Chrome Pierogi Studios and mixed and mastered at ARS Studios in Alsip, IL. The CD contains 16 songs including covers tunes such as the Hues Corporation's "Rock The Boat", Jimmy Buffet's "Volcano" and "Call Me The Breeze" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It also has original songs, including fan favorites "Ain't No Turnin' Back," "Reggae Dancin'" and "Ordinary Joe."
The song "Ordinary Joe" was also featured on the PBS TV Special, "American Roots Music: Chicago." This PBS Special earned FreezeDried recognition from the Old Town School of Folk Music. FreezeDried will be on the fourth volume of the school's popular, "Old Town School Songbook" compilation series which will be released on November 20, 2007.
"Their high-energy version of the folk classic "Pay Me My Money Down" quickly became one of our favorite tracks on 'Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook, Volume Four'," said Robert Medich, Director of Advertising & Media for the Old Town School of Folk Music.
For more information, check out FreezeDried's website, www.fdried.com. They can also be found on MySpace at www.myspace.com/freezedriedband.
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