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Got(h) Polka? Weird Val releases darkly delightful compilation in time for Halloween.
(Los Angeles, CA - Monday August 25, 2008) - Veronique Chevalier, the quirky, aristocratic French-American cabaret artist who won The Mad Music Archive's 2007 "Best New Halloween Song", is at it again this season with a full length album featuring a long-overlooked niche - Gothic Polka!
Polka Haunt Us is meant as a foray into the untried history of its namesake. Every day is Halloween to Chevalier, putting a darkly amusing, supernatural twist on the traditionally happy music of Oktoberfest. Chevalier's own 2007 "Vampire Surprise" is the bonus track on the album, which is compounded by a myriad of respected artists singing this traditional Central European faire.
Polka Haunt Us is based on authentic folk tales from around the world, lyrics written by Chevalier. Less a novelty project and more an experiment in ethnomusicology, the album is reminiscent of Harry Smith's Folkways recordings for the Smithsonian Trust, or the compilation "Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers" with a Nick Cave "Murder Ballads" twist. Chevalier's new tracks show Polka's storytelling power and give Halloween's tired Monster Mash a run for its money.
Chevalier brings together artists such as: Japanese virtuoso of the Warr guitar, Kai Kurosawa, who is also a member of the Goth-Industrial ensemble Collide; 2007 Grammy nominee, composer and accordionist Alex Meixner; ARIA (Australian Grammy) nominee, Jann Castor; Comedy Central's Gary Shapiro; Disney vocalist Kerry Christensen.
Other notable performers include: Woodwind expert & Cal Arts Professor Vinny Golia; Afro-Brazilian percussionist, guest artist for Grammy-winners Olodum- Kirk Brundage; Peter Bing Drejer Sundt Award of Norway winner, soprano- Elisabeth Ekornes; the "Jimmy Hendrix of the Violin"- Lili Haydn; Accordion virtuoso Gee Rabe, and more, who help give new breath to this popular Central European dance music.
Polka, a traditional Bohemian dance music that is still played on the streets and in the pubs of Prague and other European cities, and often during the month of October in North America, has a history of being appropriated by popular composers. The tradition includes Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple well-known Polkas were written by Czech national anthem composer Bedrich Smetana, and Czech artist Jaromír Vejvoda was the author of "Škoda lásky" ("Roll Out the Barrel").
In the US, Polka has been turned into mainstream faire by artists such as "Weird Al" Yankovic, and "Alternative Polka" and "Punk/Ska Polka" has surfaced in addition to the Mexican variety "Conjunto-style" and the Mid-western US "Oompah" music which is well known during fall festivals across the states. With the release of Polka Haunt Us, Chevalier revamps the tradition and adds a pleasingly morbid touch, just in time for Halloween!
Polka Haunt Us is a compilation recording, containing 13 NEW spooky songs, each based upon famous ghost legends from different regions around the world. Tracks include:
After Wife Polka Tango (Argentina), based on a the historical fact that Eva Peron's Corpse was preserved and put on public display by her widower, dictator Juan Peron.
Ghost Train (Canada), based on a Canadian train legend about the Alberta Line that is faithfully recounted in this song.
The Beer Hall In Hell (Alpine), a morality tale, for in the end, it is readily apparent that the free beer in Hell is overpriced.
Blank Face Goblin (Japanese), based on the Japanese legendary Blank Face Goblins (Nopperabo) who trick unwary passersby who are foolish enough to go out alone at night.
Bubbe's Dybbuk Polka (Eastern European Jewish), Dybbuks are mischeivous spirits in Jewish lore, that are used as an explanation of bad or odd human behavior.
Castle Leap (Irish Celtic), about Ireland's most haunted castle, sung by Marion Ramsey a.k.a. Sgt Laverne Hooks of the Police Academy films.
Devil's Guitar (US), Based on an American folktale about the preternatural powers of the guitar belonging to a deceased old black Mississippi bluesman (a.k.a. "The Haunted Guitar").
Strange Faces In The Floor (Spain), Based on Spain's most haunted house in Belmez. This song combines waltz with Flamenco guitar and palmas.
The Fisher Bird Girl (Norway), This waltz is based on a traditional Norwegian folktale of a strange girl who seems to change into a Fisher Bird (cormorant).
Full Moon Face Off, based on werewolf lore and composed by Grammy Award nominee, Alex Meixner.
White Witch Of Jamaica Polka Reggae (Jamaica), about Annie Palmer, a white woman familiar with the Dark Arts, whose idea of fun was seducing, and then killing her slave boys after she's had her fun with them.
Closing with Chevalier's popular Vampire Surprise (Transylvania), turning the tables on those pesky bloodsuckers!
Polka Haunt Us producer/writer Veronique Chevalier is known as The "Weird Val" of Cabaret, for her hilarious parodies and side-splitting covers. (Imagine if Jim Morrison and Elvira had a twisted, Edith Piaf-like love child). She is the recipient of The Unanimous Choice Award for Best Independent Cabaret Artist by the Los Angeles Music Awards for her benefit recording Cabaret4Choice.
Deemed "too extreme for Simon" she was gonged off the first season of America's Got Talent, after only 20 seconds, proving that her gifts are wasted on the masses. Why Spooky Polka? What better vehicle for a MADemoiselle of mixed heritage, (Polish/French/Lithuanian), who grew up attending 13 different schools, whilst traversing the globe?
WEBSITE
www.WeirdVal.com
MYSPACE
www.myspace.com/veronique
www.myspace.com/polkahauntus (listen to music sample tracks)
PHOTOS
Veronique Chevalier as "Hell-ga The Devil's Beer Maid" Photo by Justice Howard
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Veronique Chevalier on Couch Photo by Justice Howard
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Polka Haunt Us Album Cover Designed by Sammy Boy Designs
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Polka Haunt Us Logo Designed by Veronique Chevalier
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Veronique Chevalier at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Photo by Charley Gallay
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Veronique Chevalier The Undead Photo by Justice Howard (lo-res)
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Veronique Chevalier Red Velvet Curtains Photo by Justice Howard
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CONTACT:
PHU Publicity
Bil Brown, Publicist
bil.brown@gmail.com
(502) 821-3215
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