Fritz’s Polka Band releases 20th album

VERONA, N.Y. » Fritz's Polka Band (FPB) from Verona released their 20th recording, “The Hands Of Time” on Oct. 1.

FPB has made history over the years, having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. In 1999, they became the first polka band to play at a Woodstock festival, they say. Making a mark in media, FPB appears on “The Manchurian Candidate” DVD, released in 2004, and in 2011, FPB had two songs (“Grandparent's Polka” and “Here Is Fritz's Polka Band”) included in two episodes of the TV show, “Breaking Bad.”

In November 2018, FPB released their 19th recording, “Hey!”. In 2019, that recording was nominated for a Syracuse Area Music Award. In autumn 2019, FPB was nominated for Band of the Year as well as New, Original Polka Song by the Cleveland-style Polka Hall of Fame. Additionally, bandleader Fritz Scherz was nominated for Musician of the Year and Button-box: Artist or Duo awards.

“The Hands Of Time,” the band's 20th album, was recorded at Subcat Music Studios in Syracuse, NY, and features 11 original tunes (listed here in order on the album):

• The Hands Of Time (featuring Joe Bonamassa & Deen Castronovo)

• Chicken Wing Breakdown

• Hey!

• Come Home Safe (with Rocko Dorsey)

• Tommy's Lendler (featuring Joey Miskulin with Freddy Scherz & the late Fred Scherz Sr.

• A Song From FPB

• How Can I Kiss Those Lips?

• I Know I Should

• Brothers (featuring Deen Castronovo & Derek Sherinian)

• Oktoberfest Is Here Again • Steins (with Ron Keck) The album has one cover tune, “All Along The Watchtower.”

“The Hands Of Time” is available on various online outlets, at FPB gigs, and by mail order from FPB.

“I'm so thrilled this recording has finally been released,” said Scherz. “My band has been playing some of the tunes that appear on this album at gigs and they've really been going over quite well with the various audiences we've played for.”

The eclectic variety of the album has been a good thing, Scherz said. “There's basically a tune for every mood someone might have.” For a festive, party-type song, try “Oktoberfest Is Here Again.” “If you're saddened by the loss of a loved one or close friend, then a tune like ‘The Hands Of Time' and/or a ballad like ‘I Know I Should' will resonate with you.”

“Whether folks choose to buy the CD at a gig, via mail order and/or download, I hope they enjoy it as much as my band enjoyed recording it!”

More info on Fritz's Polka Band can be found on their website, fritzspolkaband.com. Follow them on Facebook.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The cover for the new Fritz’s Polka Band album, “The Hands Of Time,” which was released October 1, 2021.