Here’s a nice article about Johnny from The Herald in Sharon, PA., I thought I’d share with you.

Krizancic Made Mark on Polka

By Joe Pinchot, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Apr. 28–Johnny Krizancic was always looking to the next gig.

The Hermitage polka musician, producer, record company executive and promoter started his own record label — Marjon Records International — in about 1960 because he felt having a record would get him more gigs.

In 1990, following his trip to the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Krizancic turned down invitations to vacation with Jimmy Sturr in Florida and Walter Ostanek in Hawaii because he had a gig back home.

Tony Trontel, a polka musician who had known Krizancic since the ’40s, said Krizancic, who died Saturday at age 80, was one of the few local polka musicians who hadn’t hung it up. While Krizancic had “slacked off” in his recording in recent years, he probably had a good 10 years of quality music left in him, said Trontel, a Sharon native and former accordion player for the Trontel-Zagger Orchestra and the Norm Kobal Orchestra.

“There’s no doubt about it, we’re going to miss him,” Trontel said.

Krizancic got into polka music through his Croatian background. Trontel remembered meeting Krizancic as part of the “Croatian crowd.”

Krizancic and his wife, Martha, said in 1990 that Krizancic turned to music full-time in about 1960, when Krizancic was unemployed. They founded Marjon and recorded an album in the studios of radio station WPIC, later building a studio in their home on Easton Road.

“John was out of a job so we created one,” Mrs. Krizancic said.

Krizancic, who played guitar, saxophone, keyboards and tamburitza, recorded and released hundreds of albums and singles, some of which sold overseas.

He once noted that the Shenango and Mahoning valleys did not have an identifiable sound as Cleveland and Chicago do, but was an amalgam of Bulgarian, Polish, Slovenian and Slovak musical traditions.

This melting pot of music was in evidence on “Souvenir Edition,” the album made up of members of the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals, a polka promotion and fellowship organization. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1990, and was the reason Krizancic and some other Polka Pals were in Los Angeles.

He spoke of the nomination being as good as winning because of the recognition — and album sales — it brought to the area.

“Who would think our label would go to the top? he said. “Souvenir Edition” was released by Marjon.

At Grammy events, the Polka Pals were treated as well as Billy Joel or any of the other better-selling names, he said.

Krizancic got along well with people. Friends recalled his easygoing, friendly manner, whether they met him by chance or were working together in the recording studio.

“Of all the years I’ve known John, we’ve never had words,” said band leader Del Sinchak, who estimated he had known Krizancic 35 to 40 years. “He respected me like I respected him.”

Whenever Sinchak had a gig Krizancic was sure to be in the audience, Sinchak said.

“He’s one of those kind of guys who knew everyone,” said Paul Jacobson, of Hermitage, former guitarist with the Del Sinchak Orchestra and occasional session player with Krizancic. “He was very important in promoting polka music, or ethnic music, as I should call it. He knew people all over the world.”

“His Croatian (music) and his polka music was his life,” Sinchak said.

While polka musicians, like those in other genres of music, compete with each other for gigs, the area polka musicians thought that promoting polka music as a whole was more important than individual players. Krizancic’s personality fit well with the non-competitive aspects of the effort.

“Thirty-five years ago, we formed the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals,” Sinchak said. “The whole idea was to promote polka, but to promote fellowship among the musicians and band leaders.”

When Sinchak couldn’t play a gig, he’d recommend Krizancic or one of the other Polka Pal members, and Krizancic would return the favor.

They also played on each other’s recordings.

“He was really open for anything and any help he could give you, he would,” Trontel said working with Krizancic.

Although Krizancic will forever be linked to polka music, he released country music on his label and was friends with younger rockers, opening up his studios to acts as diverse as the Works, the Flashbacks, the Dead Boys and the Infidels.

Younger musicians helped him master the computers and synthesizers that came to play such a big role in the recording of music.

Sinchak said he’s having a hard time accepting that Krizancic is gone. He last saw Krizancic two weeks ago.

“I noticed that John had lost some weight, but I didn’t know anything was wrong,” Sinchak said.

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To see more of The Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.sharon-herald.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Just a quick note to thank all the folks who were able to join us over the past month in Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

We had a great time and met a lot of friends.

Thanks for your support!

Walter

This is  a beautiful waltz with Jon Libera on the vocals.  I’m getting a lot of nice comments about this particular song and attention from several polka radio stations.

There’s a cute little story behind this song;
Jon Libera, former vocalist with the Walter Ostanek Band, brought this old Lefty Frizzell composition to my attention about 4 years ago and suggested that I record it.  I liked the song and asked Jon if he’d like to do it.  Well that was 4 years ago!

Last year while at Kravos Recording Studio in Cleveland with Murray McFadgen doing some vocal tracks I played  “Waltz of the Angels” for Murray and Bob Kravos.  They both loved it so I got Murray to record the harmony vocals to Jon’s original melody vocal.  While Murray was doing the recording, Tony Petkovsek, (#1 Polka DJ in Cleveland), dropped in to visit. Tony really liked it as well.

So after sitting on the shelf for 4 years, “Waltz of the Angels” was finally completed and released on our “Back to Back Hall of Fame Polkas” cd.

I hope you enjoy Waltz of the Angels. I want to thank Jon Libera, not only for bringing the song to me, but for doing such a great job on the vocals.

You can click here to hear a sample of  Waltz of the Angels.

Hey, send me a note, or comment on this post and let me know what you think of “Waltz of the Angels”.

Til next time, Keep Smiling,
Walter

Over the years I’ve been blessed with many friends and supporters.  As a tribute, and to show my thanks, we’ve added a new section to our website entitled, “Friends”.

One of my dearest friends was “America’s Polka King”, Frankie Yankovic.  At an early age I wanted to become just like Frank.  He was afterall the superstar of in the Cleveland-Style polka world that I wanted so much to be a part of .  As luck would have it, our friendship grew into a very special relationship.  Imagine your idol becoming your mentor and friend.  Well that’s how it was for me and Frankie.

It’s been 10 years since Frank passed away in 2008.  I think about him a lot, especially when I’m in the Cleveland area.

I hope you’ll enjoy my special tribute to my special freind, Frankie Yankovic.

Walter.

These are TV recordings that we did  with our good friends Brian Sklar and the Western Senators in Regina Sask.  The first season of PolkaRama has three polka video dvd’s, each containing four TV shows.  There’s  a lot of good polka music on these dvd’s in addition to a few country selections and standards.  And of course, there’s fiddle music by none other than Brian Sklar, who’s one of the finest fiddle players I know.

I’m looking forward to joining Brian and the guys once again in May.  I’ll be sure to let you know the exact dates as we get a little closer.

You can find our Polka Videos section by clicking on Polka Videos.

Keep Smiling!
Walter.

Well, not exactly.  My personal accordion is not for sale, but I am happy to tell you that I now have some terrific new button accordions from Strasser, Zupan, Meloija, and more.

We’ve been selling accordions at Walter Ostanek’s Music Centre for years.  As many of you may know, my son Richard, manages the store these days.  But when it comes to accordions, well, that’s what I know best, and truly love.

I can still remember my very first button accordion as a young boy.  What a thrill it was.  Maybe that’s why I enjoy helping others select just the right button box, or piano accordion.

Although most of my music is played on the piano accordion these days, my roots go back to the button accordion, and I still love the sound.  I always try to include at least one button box polka on each of my albums.

Please check out this cute little video that shows how Strasser button accordions are made.
Just click on: Accordions For Sale.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a new accordion, or just want some advice, I welcome you to send me an email at: WalterOstanek@Gmail.com.

Till next time,
Keep smiling!
Walter

As a member of the Nashville Chapter, I am invited to a Pre-Grammy party for the Grammy Nominees, held in Nashville Tennessee.   Many of the top country music artists attend this event each year.

As a huge country music fan, the Nashville Pre-Grammy party is a real thrill.  It’s always a very casual event, and usually with a surprise or two.  Over the years the party has given me the opportunity to meet such stars as Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and many more.
What I enjoy the most about this party is the casual atmosphere. Imagine being in a room, surrounded by some of the biggest names in country music, and then discovering that they’re just normal folks like you and I.

Attending the Pre-Grammy party is also a great excuse for me to visit Nashville, and my very good friends, Jack Clement, and Joey Miskulin.

Cowboy Jack, also self proclaimed as the Polka King of Nashville, got his start in the music industry with Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis during the years of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and so many more. This guy is a living legend who has worked with some of the most recognizable names in recording history: Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, U2, George Jones, Chet Atkins, and far too many more to list here.

I love to hear Jack tell the story of a session at Sun Records with Jerry Lee Lewis:
During this particular recording session, Jack suggested that the guys take a break from the country style material they were working on. They agreed, and to loosen up, Jerry Lee Lewis broke into “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. Jack quickly hit the record button in the control room, mixed the sound on-the-fly, and the legendary Rock ‘n Roll hit was recorded live with only one take!

Cleveland-Style polka fans of course know Joey Miskulin.

I’m proud to say that we’ve been the best of friends for many years. Joey is a musical genius who at the age of only 13 years, began travelling with America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic. Joey, moved to Nashville in 1987, and is a member of Riders In The Sky.

In addition to working almost 200 dates a year, including the Grand Ole Opry, with the Ryders, Joey is a sought after producer in Nashville. Some of his recent projects have been with Alan Jackson, Alison Kraus, Alabama, and John Prine. He’s also worked on some Disney projects such as the movie “Cars”, and “The Wild”.

It’s always fun and very interesting to visit with these two guys.

Here’s some vintage Joey Miskulin from the early 1980’s with the Cleveland All Star Band featuring Paul Yanchar, Tony Vadnal,Al Markic, & Jack “Porky” Ponikvar.

Being a Grammy Nominee, it is once again an exciting time in the Ostanek household as the anticipation of the 51st Grammy Awards grows with each day.

This year, I’m grateful to be celebrating my 21st Grammy Award Nomination for “Best Polka Album”.  Imagine, 21 years!  Where did the time go?  I remember my very first Grammy Nomination in 1987 like it was yesterday.

Each of the Grammy Awards shows has provided Irene and me with some very special memories.  N.A.R.A.S. is a very classy organization that always puts on a first-class event and the nominees are truly treated like royalty.  Because of the Grammys we’ve had the opportunity to mix with many of the world’s most popular celebrities at the various Grammy events surrounding the awards show.  Almost everyone is approachable and friendly.  This experience alone is worth the hard work it takes to get there, whether you take home the big prize or not.  Just being at the Grammy Awards makes it all worthwhile.

One of my very fondest memories is when I got to spend some time with Myron Floren of the Lawrence Welk Show.  Myron was not only a world-class accordion player, but he was also a true gentleman.  Just a real down to earth nice guy.

Being a pretty positive guy, I’m visualizing, and hoping to place a 4th Grammy Award Trophy on my mantel at home.  That would truly be wonderful.  At the same time, however, I wish all of the Grammy Nominees in the Polka category, the best of luck.  Although we are competitors for the highest honour in the music industry, I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of them, and regard them as friends.

I’d like to thank Walter Ostanek Band followers and supporters for their encouragement and continued support.  I’d also like to thank my friends and partners, Jerry Darlak & The Touch, and Bob Kravos, and the boys in the band, for their dedication to this year’s Grammy Award entry, “Back to Back Hall of Fame Polkas”.

I hope you’ll tune in to the Grammy Awards on CBS on February 8th, at 8:00pm (eastern).

I’ve had the plesure of visiting and performing for the wonderful people of Regina Saskatchewan over the past few years.  The Casino Regina Show Lounge is a great place to play, but the people are even better.  Including the band.  Brian Sklar and the Western Senators have played host to my visits each time, and believe me, we have a lot of fun.
We’ll be adding our “Polkarama” polka video series to our website very soon with some clips of these live, fun packed polka shows.

Here’s a preview:

Best Wishes,
Walter