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! |
