Brave Combo hits the mainstream
by Steve Litwin - Associate Editor/Polka Editor

The Texas based Brave Combo band hit the polka mainstream with the release of their latest recording, Polkasonic. Carl Finch willingly announces that polkas have had an "enormous impact" on the creation of the band and his life. Now, teamed with up Steve Popovich of Cleveland International, Brave Combo presents a recording that will grab the attention of those on the very inside of this closely guarded polka fraternity.

Starting with a very upbeat version of "Down at the Friendly Tavern," Brave Combo jump starts the polka heart of the listener, sending it into overdrive with this lead cut. The traditional "Red Wing" with drum/accordion intro, brings you back down to some classic sax, trumpet and accordion musical blends which fill in every minute of the track. Wojnarowski's "Why, Oh Why" polka is given the Brave Combo touch with an arrangement by Finch, including good cross-over English lyrics. The cover of the Oberaitis "Crumbling Heart" offers some dynamic trumpet and woodwind work while the Finch original, "Only for Love" lets the harmonica of Jeffrey Barnes bring some warm tones into the picture. Let's not forget the work of Alan Emert, Bubba Hernandez and Danny O'Brien who make this whole musical package work.

Not forgetting the raw purism of Brave Combo's identity, Skytrain and "Purple Haze" polka reaches deeper into the core of this band and makes you realize they are still connected to their roots. However, all it takes is the riff of "Glamorous Girl" to prove to all that Brave Combo is a polka band sliding into the mainstream. Does this mean they belong on stage alongside the Versatones, Dynatones, Crusade, TBC and Chicago Push? Purchase this CD and you will easily discover the answer to that question.

Polkasonic is Brave Combo today, a band sliding into the polka world. Contact: Brave Combo, P.O. Box 233 Denton, TX 76202.

Reprinted with the permission of Steve Litwin