Eric Noltkamper's Studio to Stage introduces many "new" songs to the polka field while staying very traditional in sound.

Eric encorporates his fine accordion work and arrangements into some original songs as well as some songs from the early jazz era.

A must for the true polka enthusiast.

Eric Noltkamper's Studio to Stage introduces many "new" songs to the polka field while staying very traditional in sound.

Eric encorporates his fine accordion work and arrangements into some original songs as well as some songs from the early jazz era.

A must for the true polka enthusiast.

No other polka recording in my opinion has captured the essence, heart and flamboyance of the Cleveland/Slovenian style polka and waltz. Rosy Cheeks takes us back to the fabulous fifties when polkas were the rage and several polka bands were on major labels. It also showcases inovation, with the addition of 5 of my... (more)

No other polka recording in my opinion has captured the essence, heart and flamboyance of the Cleveland/Slovenian style polka and waltz. Rosy Cheeks takes us back to the fabulous fifties when polkas were the rage and several polka bands were on major labels. It also showcases inovation, with the addition of 5 of my own compositions, one from Marty Sintic, one written by Duke Ellington, and a "tin pan alley" song of the 20's, entitled Rosy Cheeks. It is a tribute to the pioneers who created this rich, classical sound. The melodies are irresistible and the Noltkamper band swings, anticipating your every move on the dance floor. Eric's keen musical mind and flawless technique will leave young and old alike wanting to hear it over and over.

Bruce A. Burger

DJ, Musician, and TV Personality

This recording is a compilation of great polkas and waltzes all played by Eric Noltkamper on the diatonic accordion(Button Box). This recording is dedicated to all button box players, and enthusiasts, that have fallen in love with this unique and fun instrument.

This recording is a compilation of great polkas and waltzes all played by Eric Noltkamper on the diatonic accordion(Button Box). This recording is dedicated to all button box players, and enthusiasts, that have fallen in love with this unique and fun instrument.

The word "reflections" is defined as "Imitative Reproductions of the style of another", and, "To consider seriously."

What Eric Noltkamper has done would be a monumental task for a group of 5 or 6 musicians. For someone at his young age, to have played most of the instruments with the... (more)

The word "reflections" is defined as "Imitative Reproductions of the style of another", and, "To consider seriously."

What Eric Noltkamper has done would be a monumental task for a group of 5 or 6 musicians. For someone at his young age, to have played most of the instruments with the skill and understanding of someone of lifetime dedication to the idiosyncrasies of Cleveland-Style polkas in an impressive project.

For the connoisseur of the Cleveland- Style Polka , as well as for someone who is hearing these songs for the first time, the recording will not only provide many hours of enjoyment, but it will serve as a testimony to the many great bands of the past, as performed by one of the rising performers of today.

Fred Ziwich

America's Polka King, Frank Yankovic passed on October 14, 1998, but his music and influence will live forever. This recording is proof of his influence, and a testament to all who carry on the tradition.

Los Angeles based accordionist, Ken Kotwitz was raised on Yankovic music and later became a world renowned Jazz... (more)

America's Polka King, Frank Yankovic passed on October 14, 1998, but his music and influence will live forever. This recording is proof of his influence, and a testament to all who carry on the tradition.

Los Angeles based accordionist, Ken Kotwitz was raised on Yankovic music and later became a world renowned Jazz musician and composer. Upon the time of Frank's death, Ken decided to write a song in tribute to Frank that expressed the gratitude of all musicians that were influenced by him.

Musicians:

Eric Noltkamper-Accordion Banjo, Piano Vocals

Grant Kozera-Accordion Solovox, and Vocals

Ralph Delligatti-Bass

Dave Wolnik- Drums

Many Special Guests on "Frank and the Yanks"

It gives me great pleasure to bring to you this collection of Holiday melodies. I've always felt that Polka music and Christmas music go hand in hand, both bringing a cheerful and happy message.

This being my first Christmas recording, I decided to do some songs that are familiar, and some that are not so familiar... (more)

It gives me great pleasure to bring to you this collection of Holiday melodies. I've always felt that Polka music and Christmas music go hand in hand, both bringing a cheerful and happy message.

This being my first Christmas recording, I decided to do some songs that are familiar, and some that are not so familiar. I was also fortunate enough to include some of my closest friends, and fellow musicians, as well as my wife Nancy. After all that is what Christmas is all about.

I hope you enjoy this recording, and that it adds to a happy holiday season.

Eric Noltkamper

Eric Noltkamper-Accordion,Banjo,Bass, Button Box,Drums,Guitar,Piano,Solovox, Vocals

Dale Stelzer-Sax, Clarinet

Jason Uzl-Trumpet

Joe Shumar-Sax

Phil Srnick-Tuba

Ralph Delligatti-Bass

Dave Wolnik-Drums

Steve Meisner-Vocals(Home for the Holidays)

Jeff Winard-Vocals(Christmas Time is Here Again)

Grant Kozera-Vocals(Christmas Lullaby)

Nancy Hlad Noltkamper-Vocals (Old Fashioned Sleigh Ride)

At Last:

It’s all about love: The love between a man and wife; love for the music; love for nationality background; love for tradition. When you love something, not only do you want to preserve it, but also to pass it on to others.

Here are a couple of examples of how tradition works: The tamboritza which Eric... (more)

At Last:

It’s all about love: The love between a man and wife; love for the music; love for nationality background; love for tradition. When you love something, not only do you want to preserve it, but also to pass it on to others.

Here are a couple of examples of how tradition works: The tamboritza which Eric plays on this record originally belonged to Nancy’s Great Grandfather. Nancy’s Grandma gave the instrument to her , and now we are enjoying it four generations later. This is the same Grandmother who suggested recording “My Father’s Waltz”, included on this recording.

Each tune is a lovingly crafted gem from the Slovenian-American repretoire, which keeps the spirit of the original artist while experiencing new vitality from Eric and Nancy’s personal approach and arrangements. This is as good as it gets. The energy and excellence of these stellar performances will radiate for generations to come.

“At Last” is a musical gift lovingly presented to you by the Noltkampers. The interplay between the accordion, button box, and other instruments say it all. Enjoy and share the gift.

Greg Drust- DJ, Historian, Collector

Ever since we got married people have been telling me, “You two should make a record together”. Well, 10 years later here it is. That is why I decided to call it “At Last”, because for a while I thought it would never get released.

There are a lot of songs on this recording that are connected to our lives. The St. Louis Polka is dedicated to all the friends and family there that have been so supportive through the years. The Joliet Waltz is for all of our Joliet friends, our home away from home. Nancy’s grandmother Vera Hlad has been telling her to record My Father’s Waltz for years. I hope she enjoys it. She gave us her grandfather’s Tambura. It is well over 100 years old and made its recording debut on Broken Wine Glass and Ja Sam Majko. My Mary Polka is for all our “Yankovic” buddies in Milwaukee. This recording is a good representation of our life together in this music, and our influences.

This recording is especially dedicated to our close friends, family, and band members that have passed. We lost so many in such a short time. We miss you all.

Eric Noltkamper

Eric Noltkamper- Accordion, Banjo, Piano, Glockenspeil, Tambura, Solovox, Vocals

Nancy Noltkamper- Button Accordion, group vocals

Hank Guzel- Upright Bass

Dave Wolnik- Drums

Norm Kobal- Sax, Clarinet

Recorded at GreenGuy Studio. Mastering by Gary Rhamy Peppermint Productions.

Visit Nancy’s Place for Polkas on the internet-www.polkas.com

For more information write to:

Eric Noltkamper

P.O. Box 43313

Cleveland, OH 44142

eric@polkas.com