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For the last recording review this
year and just before Christmas, I decided to review a recording
of a lighter and entertaining character - just to add to the holiday
mood. After hearing it, Betty
Jo Simon's recording seemed just perfect for the occasion.
I just received it last week and although my policy is to try
and review recordings in the order I receive them (this one would
have to wait for at least 6 months), however, I decided to make
an exception this time.
Betty Jo Simon is a well known
American accordionist and earned a Bachelor of Music in Accordion
Performance from the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC),
where she played the world premiere of Paul Creston's "Fantasy
for Accordion and Orchestra" with the UMKC Civic Orchestra. Simon
now performs as a soloist throughout the US and currently leads
a German polka band.
Betty Jo's selection for this recording
includes popular pieces arranged for the accordion and appealing
to a wide audience. In the concept of marketing the accordion
Betty Jo has done a great job - projecting its positive image
and demonstrating its versatility. All the pieces on this recording
are performed using MIDI technology, all the sounds produced by
the Roland U-220 Sound Module which I find absolutely great. Betty
Jo is using MIDI technology with exceptional mastery, skilfully,
and the overall sound impression is very sophisticated and well
balanced. Betty Jo's performance is technically mature, stylish
and convincing.
This recording is great entertainment
and lots of fun!
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