THEN AND NOW – MPA RELEASE REVIVES SONGS FROM V-E PORTFOLIO

For more information, DJ copies or to schedule an interview, contact Steve Harris (steve@musicpublishersofamerica.com) or call MPA on (855) NU MUSIC.

VITAK-ELSNIC RETURNS TO THE MUSIC SCENE

Music Publishers of America (“MPA”) is pleased to announce the release of Then and Now, an album based entirely on music from its Vitak-Elsnic (“V-E”) portfolio. Then and Now is the company’s first venture into recording V-E music, part of its objective of reintroducing the Vitak-Elsnic brand to a new generation of music lovers.

“This album has a little bit of something for everybody, including people not that familiar with polka music,” said MPA President Steve Harris. “Some songs are played as originally published by V-E decades ago. But others are completely new arrangements from Alex Meixner.” Meixner is a Grammy-nominated performing and recording artist, music producer and MPA Vice President. “And there’s another twist,” Harris said. “We’ve added brand-new English lyrics to some songs that either never had them or that were originally in Czech or Polish.” There are 14 songs on the CD, all of which were initially published as V-E arrangements. Standards like Red Raven Polka and Snow Waltz are joined by newly-rediscovered songs like the jaunty Crackerjack Polka and the haunting Last Kiss Waltz.

The Vitak-Elsnic All-Star Band, led by Meixner, was pulled together specifically for this project. “Each musician brought a unique style and skill set to the studio, and the end result turned out beautifully”, Meixner said. In addition to Meixner, Grammy-nominated Hank Guzevich of Polka Family as well as recording veterans Michael Morris, Ed Klancnik, Don Hunjadi, Joe Tierney, Richard Watson and Sam Broeniman round out the band. Meixner, Guzevich and Morris as well as the phenomenal Abby Broeniman perform vocals. “Abby is simply awesome,” Harris stated. “She sings from the heart and really delivers.”

The Then and Now CD can be purchased directly from MPA on the Merchandise page of its website (www.musicpublishersofamerica.com).
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Digital versions of the album or individual selections are available through online retailers: