South Texas Swing

Amazon.com
Hofner is an only-from-Texas kind of Western swinger, hailing from the state's wide Czech belt, claiming Czech as his first language, and often singing his polkas, waltzes, and traditional tunes in that language. He also had the hit version of the traditional fiddle tune "Cotton-Eyed Joe," which has since become a must-play for any band on the Texas dance hall circuit, and turned in credible Bing Crosby-derived vocals on pop standards. And his bands, which included his brother Bash on steel and often the great hot fiddler J.R. Chatwell, swung with the best of 'em. --John Morthland

Tracks:

Better Quit It Now
How I Miss You Tonight
Dirty Dog
We Played A Game
Does My Baby Love Me, Yes Sir!
I'll Keep My Old Guitar
Brown Eyed Sweet
Maria Elena
Spanish Two-Step
Why Should I Cry Over You?
Joe Turner Blues
Sam, The Old Accordian Man
Alamo Rag
South Texas Swing
Jessie Polka
Sage Brush Shuffle
Cotton-Eyed Joe
Paul Jones
Star Kovarna
Na Marjanse
Strashidlo
Dis Ja Liebe Spim
Julida Polka
Kelley Waltz
Longhorn Stomp
Radio Broadcast:Theme And Pearl Beer Commercial...

Amazon.com

Hofner is an only-from-Texas kind of Western swinger, hailing from the state's wide Czech belt, claiming Czech as his first language, and often singing his polkas, waltzes, and traditional tunes in that language. He also had the hit version of the traditional fiddle tune "Cotton-Eyed Joe," which has since become a must-play for any band on the Texas dance hall circuit, and turned in credible Bing Crosby-derived vocals on pop standards. And his bands, which included his brother Bash on steel and often the great hot fiddler J.R. Chatwell, swung with the best of 'em. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

South Texas Swing (Adolph Hofner).......2007-06-18

This CD is a true treasure. It is AWESOME AND THEN SOME. It shows him at his best with Texas Swing music plus I got a wonderful set of five bonus songs. Him singing in Czech. (Which he does GREATLY). It is a deffinate work of art FETCH.

Like a Trip Back in Time . . ........2006-08-11

I can see my dad and uncles--in their youth--at the dance halls in rural Texas, swinging their gals to these tunes. What a great discovery this CD was! The Czech songs were so wonderful. I know Hofner and his Texans had to be a favorite of the Zubik clan (my family). I only wish I could have found this music when they were still alive. Well, at least now I and my family can enjoy this authentic Tex-Czech.

Great Memories.......2005-09-30

I love all of these songs. They remind me of when I would spend time with my grandparents. I even went to a few of Adolf's dances with them. These songs are great!! Even if I don't know the czech lyrics, I still enjoy listening to these songs.

A swinger swing, a fiddle lover delight.......2003-10-14

Hofner's Texas band really stay where Texas swing started without going to the electric guitar, steel guitar, electric mandolin, etc trio sound that Wills and later Spade Cooley made the standard in California based Western swing after the War. Here you have bright and sometimes hot fiddles, nice lead guitars, and a bouncing, always dancable rhythmn. There is some wise witticisms in some of the songs--I always remember My old guitar. Some of the Czech tunes here like the Jesse Polka are real classics. It's interesting that in Texas, the Bohemian and German influences blended in with the Mexican music--that where Flaco Jimenez's grandfather got the idea of playing the button accordian and any serious Tex Mex dance will have its polka.
Anyway, if you think you know about Western Swing and don't have this CD, you don't. Whatever you know, this is some nice music.

There is often the unsaid words about why Hofner never made it further. It was his bad luck to be named Adolph Hofner, and to play in an art form that peaked in popularity during World War II. I believe for a time Hofner changed his last name, but nothing helped him overcome this obstacle.

Brings back the good old days.......2003-05-07

I'd forgotten how absolutely entertaining Hofner was. He's even better than I remember from my misspent youth, at places like Pat's Hall in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Average customer rating:

Cluster *&#@
Bert Wills Scores - 2 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Tell Me Why
Bert Wills
Manufacturer: Sw-South West Label Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mr. Politician
Special Session

ASIN: B00004W5B9
Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

Tell Me Why
Slow Blues Lullaby
It Don't Bother Me
Mr. Conductor
Monkey Shine
Roun' and Roun'
Precious One
Sleep Won't Come
If You Can
Northwest Blues
Bounce
Daddy's Prayer
Ooh Wee
Feed the Hopeless

Customer Reviews:

Cluster *&#@.......2002-07-25

Actually I did order this title, but the seller sent another title and so when I try to reorder the correct CD what I get is this request for a review and I can't input my request for the title I want. I rate the CD a five on faith, and I rate Half.Com less than that for effectively blocking me from ever purchasing the CD I want on this computer with my own credit card and using my own name. Chuck Brush

Bert Wills Scores - 2 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS.......2001-08-20

Bert Wills is possessed by an uncanny Blues Spirit. "Tell Me Why" demonstrates Bert's tone-bending vocal range, compositional excellence, and mystical blue-eyed blues precision. Instrumentals "The Bounce" and "Monkey Shine," happy toe-tappers, are offset by "Daddy's Prayer" and "Slow Blues Lullaby" played in Hank Williams, Sr.'s traditional sound. "It Don't Bother Me" and "Roun' and Roun'" are a true measure of Bert's sparkling solo acoustic style and humorous approach to troubled times. Dear Blues Lover: "Tell Me Why" has just been nominated for best new contemporary blues album and best production. You've gotta get this CD!

Music Album:

Music Album