Album Review: Don’t Stop by Henny & The Versa J’s – Polka That’ll Make You Smile
Let’s get one thing straight: polka isn’t for everyone. But if you’re willing to give it a shot, Don’t Stop by Henny & The Versa J’s might just be the album that converts you. Released in 2009 under the JASREV label, this quirky folk/world/country gem is like a big ol’ hug from your Polish grandma—warm, lively, and full of surprises.
The band's lineup reads like a family reunion where everyone brought their best instrument. Randy Koslosky does triple duty on accordion, piano, and vocals (show-off!), while the rest of the crew adds layers of saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, and even concertina. And let’s not forget Butch Jasiewicz on drums, who probably kept everyone in line during recording sessions with his no-nonsense beats.
Now, onto the tracks. With titles like “Son Of An Immigrant” and “She’s My Dark Eyes,” you can tell these songs are rooted in storytelling—but they never take themselves too seriously. Two tracks really stuck out to me:
First up is “Live It Up Oberek.” If this song doesn’t make you want to grab someone’s hand and spin them around the room, then I don’t know what will. It’s fast, fun, and feels like an escape plan from adulting responsibilities. Steve Gibala’s clarinet work here deserves special mention—it zips and zags like a caffeinated squirrel, but somehow it all works perfectly together. This track reminds me why polka exists: pure joy distilled into three minutes of madness.
Then there’s “Flirting Musicians.” What a title, right? I imagine it was written after some serious backstage shenanigans. The interplay between Randy’s accordion and Chris Bogdon’s concertina creates a flirty call-and-response vibe that’s impossible to ignore. By the end, you almost expect the musicians to burst into laughter themselves. It’s playful without being cheesy—a fine line to walk, but they nail it.
Other standouts include “Only Here For A Little While,” which hits you with unexpected poignancy, and “Hot Tears,” proving that even upbeat genres can tug at heartstrings when done well.
What makes Don’t Stop so memorable isn’t just its catchy tunes; it’s the personality behind every note. These folks aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re celebrating tradition while adding their own twist. You can hear the camaraderie in every track, as if they were having way too much fun in the studio.
In conclusion, Don’t Stop is proof that polka isn’t dead—it’s alive and kicking, thanks to bands like Henny & The Versa J’s. Sure, it won’t appeal to metalheads or EDM fans, but hey, more room for us polka enthusiasts! So next time life gets overwhelming, put this album on and dance like nobody’s watching. Or better yet, invite your friends over and turn it into a party. Just maybe warn them first—you might not be able to stop once you start.
P.S. Accordion solos should come with warning labels. They’re dangerously addictive.
