Tune into Crankin’ Polkas on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 1 to 2 pm ET. Having lived in the “Garden State” all his life, Ray Skorka will be paying tribute to New Jersey Polka Bands. Both nationally-known and local bands that had an influence on Ray will be part of the show.
Be sure not to miss this special edition of Crankin’ Polkas.
Ted Marczak says
Ray,
Please don’t forget to include Walter Lesniak in your tribute to NJ Polka bands
Ray Skorka says
HI, Ted. I’m sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I’ve been away and just saw these replies. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything by Walter or I would’ve included him. If you know where I can get any of his recordings, email me at ablepolkas@gmail.com. Thanks.
Ted Marczak says
Goldberg and I played with Walter for over 25 years
Ray Skorka says
Wow!
Ed Goldberg says
Hi Ray,
Yes, Walt was the guy who broke me in playing the Polka field. Folks still come up to me saying, for instance, “I played their wedding 50 years ago”. Always with Walt. So proud to be his friend. We are still in touch. Teddy I played with With Walt at the “Old Bayway Polish Home”, and then we opened & played at the New Bayway Polish home as everybody knows it now. Walt made 1 Album. Some of the guys from his band are not around any more, such as Eddie Hoezel (Sax & Clarinet), Billy Poppik, (Trumpet). (Not sure of spelling). Others became famous such as Warren Vache, trumpet, from Rahway, NJ. Warren went on to play with Rosemary Clooney & Scott Hamilton. Famous Jazz trumpet player. I actually saw them all perform together in NYC. Many recordings.
Another musician with Walt, Eddie Meyers (Sax), now in Tampa Florida, also still gigging.
Walt’s brother John (Sax & Clarinet), who also played with us (Odessa Klezmer) and recorded on 2 of our albums. Still doing gigs with us.
I am deeply indebted to Walt for his leadership in the polka field and as a band leader. In our last album, ‘Bagels & Freilachs’, I paid homage to him as a major influence in my life.
I agree with Ted, Walt was a major player in the Polka Field. A great bandleader from Elizabeth NJ.
Ray, Good luck with your show. Glad you’re playing tribute to NJ polka bands.
Your friend, Ed . . .
Ray Skorka says
HI, Eddie. I’m sorry for not getting back to you sooner. As I said earlier to Ted, I’ve been away and just saw these posts. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything by Walter or I would’ve included him. If you know where I can get any of his recordings, email me at ablepolkas@gmail.com. Thanks.
On the January 19th show, I’m going to do a Comin’ Out of the Closet segment featuring Stan Skawinski — and you are on piano on the recording!
Bernie Goclowski. pittsfield ma says
great polka music , John Demerski was my cousin…
Ray Skorka says
Thanks, Bernie. I knew John from back in the day when The Ablemen used to do polka weekends that his band was a part of.