Posts

Kevin Junemann

March 01, 2012

Hello friends- We wanted everyone to know that Kevin Junemann, Copper Box bassist and honorary 'teddy bear', had emergency surgery on Monday night.  He is doing fine and hopes to join up with the band in a couple of weeks.  So get well, KJ!  We have a lot of great gigs and good times coming up....... :)

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The Scene - reviewed Copper Box's latest recording, "People Change"

November 10, 2011

http://foxvalley.scenenewspaper.com/arts-entertainment/24-arts-entertainment/906-cd-reviews-lynch-copper-box-and-the-great-kat.html

Tuesday, 01 November 2011 

By Jim Lundstrom

copperbox

 

Copper Box

People Change

People certainly do change. So do bands. Copper Box, led by the husband-wife multi-instrumental musical team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek, has evolved into a fascinatingly diverse and musically mature band, as evidenced by their new release People Change.

The CD kicks off with three Danny-penned songs, the second of which, “Racing,” gives Michelle a chance to play chanteuse with a great pop vocal. Track 3, “Adios Baby,” features a spine-tingling organ that seems to seep in through the cracks, a big blast of bari sax from Michelle, a nice, bright trumpet solo by Danny, and a brilliant, heavy horn section carrying the tune out to its organic, orgiastic conclusion. I think more than anything this track shows a musical depth that puts this band on par with anyone making music anywhere.

I swear my scalp tingled the first time I heard their sweet intro to “Soulful Strut,” with Danny playing brilliant button accordion in place of the horn section and piano used as lead instruments in the 1968 original by Young-Holt Unlimited. That instrumental release was actually recorded earlier that year as “Am I the Same Girl,” with vocal by Barbara Acklin, who was married to the song’s writer, Eugene Record. For some reason, Acklin’s voice was removed and replaced with piano performed by Floyd Morris. Copper Box reunites the instrumental hit with the vocal version. Michelle adds the right melancholic touch.

They follow that with a smoking version of Cesar Rosas’ “Corrido #1” from Los Lobos groundbreaking 1984 release How Will the Wolf Survive?

My favorite moment on the record comes on track 7, when Danny takes a trumpet solo on the chestnut “Tennessee Waltz.” His trumpet speaks in big, bold, round, brassy tones, really baring the soul of the song.

I think I can honestly say this is the best recording and best sounding recording Copper Box has made. Danny served as producer.

Copper Box recorded at the northern Wisconsin Alchematic Productions run by Mark Richardson, whose impressive recording credits include stints at Electric Lady and Atlantic Records in New York. Whatever combination of elements it was, something magical happened here.

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Copper Box to celebrate 10 years of happiness, sadness, and booty shaking!

October 31, 2011

On Friday January 27th, 2012 Copper Box will be celebrate 10 years of......... rehearsing, writing songs, arranging, sleeping, travelling, dumpy hotel rooms, drinking jager bombs, really nice and expensive hotel rooms (that we didn't have to pay for), buying fuel, drinking coffee, eating peanuts, chewing sunflower seeds, etc..... (you get the picture)   

 

January 27th @ Algoma Club in Oshkosh,WI.    All present and past Copper Box band members will be performing throughout the evening.  And maybe some other crazy musician friends will join in, too.   Make plans now and we hope to see you all there!

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The Polish Moon - reviews 'People Change'

October 03, 2011

 

http://polishmoon.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/people-change%E2%80%9D-by-copper-box-album-review/

 

“People Change” By Copper Box: Album Review

Posted: October 2, 2011 by polishmoon in Music - Album Reviews
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This is a hard review to write, for several reasons. Copper Box is an Oshkosh, WI based band … a label that often denotes descriptors like “local-talent” or “home-grown” … and all accompanying visions of bad “Free Bird” or “Play That Funky Music” covers. They are also referred to as a “polka-rock” band quite often. Now, I grew up on the south side of Milwaukee … my grandfather played in a polka band … and I’m Polish – I know polkas. While Copper Box does play polkas, these are not my grandfathers polkas. Copper Box is an anomaly: they transcend the “local/polka” labels and are truly a professional-talent level quartet whose eclectic style is possibly the one thing keeping them from being huge. A bit about the band first.

When I try to describe the kind of music Copper Box plays to people, I usually end up unleashing a series of genres that leave people a bit confused. Sure, they know how to rock out a polka … but their repertoire includes healthy doses of zydeco, roots/americana and latin-fusion. When dabbling in so many styles, musically virtuosity is a must … and the four musicians have no trouble bringing an “A” game. Fronted by the husband and wife duo of Danny and Michelle Jerabek, “CBx” could practically hold a musical instrument clinic. Danny is so good on the button accordion, he’s practically a squeeze-box savant. Add to that skilled abilities on keyboards, cornet, sousaphone, clarinet, guitar and penny whistle (and more I’m sure), he’s practically a one man band. Vocally, he’s solid … and his inflections, yelps and banter remind me of New Orleans creole … Dr. John … hell, even Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (early years) In live performances he’s a true showman, with enough manic energy to win over a crowd in no time … and enough dance moves to keep the ladies happy. Yep, I said it. I’ve seen CBx 5 times now … and every show some woman in the crowd loves his moves. Ladies like dancin’ afterall.

Michelle Jerabek brings an equal amount of talent, both vocally and instrumentally. Her voice has enough range to pull off a wide variety of styles, and just the right amount of grit to add energy when things get rockin’. Not to be outdone by Danny, she brings her own music store of instruments to the table. Highly skilled at tenor and baritone saxophones, she also plays guitar, flute, squeeze-box and fan favorite … washboard. Yep, washboard. Also an energetic performer, her all-in washboard style is to the male fans what Danny’s butt-shakin’ antics are to the ladies. At the last show I attended, some guy I didn’t know felt it important to tell me this: “I never thought I’d say this, but that is some pretty hot scratch-board thing playin.” There it is folks. Everything a great front-of-stage performer needs: talent, energy and sex-appeal. Copper Box has TWO such people up front.

Having grown up in a musical family, and having been in several bands myself, I know how important (and woefully underappreciated) a quality rhythm section is. The only word that comes to mind when I think of the CBx back-stage boys is this: savage.

Bassist Kevin Junemann is so good, you rarely realize it … until you start paying close attention. His lines, which in lesser hands could easily become repetitive, travel and roll and walk the frets in inventive – and oft melody driving – ways. That’s what I like most about his playing … he’s not flashy, but his efforts stick in the back of your head. Don’t believe me? Go try to play “Irish Washerwoman” on a bass guitar. Kevin can.

At home-plate sits Jason Van Ryzin, a man who understands what drumming/percussion is truly about. It’s about back-bone and texture. I was a drummer for eleven years and – although I never came close to Van Ryzin’s skill level – I know how hard it is to be inventive, yet tasteful. He obviously gets it … his transitions and fills adapt to each distinct style of music seamlessly … never losing sight of the meter … and peeking through just enough to add a flash of style. Should you hear a Copper Box album – or see them live – pay close attention to his cymbal work. Bad drummers use cymbals as exclamation marks … alone. Van Ryzin takes a Stewart Copeland approach … weaving them into the overall tapestry.

All in all, I can’t say it enough – this band is ROCK solid … and an absolute joy to see live. The music industry has taken some notice as well, as they have received several Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards and nominations (People’s Choice, Americana Artist of the Year, Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year (Danny Jerabek)). There you have it – the band. On to the review.

“People Change” is the sixth Copper Box album overall, released earlier this year. For the purpose of a review, I really have to break it into three parts: traditional, covers, and original songs. The sole traditional song of “Some People” is “Irish Washerwoman,” a hearty old stomp that the band handles easily, but sparks it up with some hootin’ and hollarin.’ A great version, this … plus you get the added bonus of hearing Junemann play it via a bass break-down.

Cover-songs – and doing them well – is truly an art form … retaining the original personality, yet adding your own spin. Copper Box has, to this point, done some great covers (Born On The Bayou, Squeeze-Box, Peter Gunn) and one near-legendary cover (Comfortably Numb … seriously). Of the four covers on this album, three are big winners. Los Lobos’ “Corrido #1″ is an homage with harmonizing Jerabek vocals that Cesar Rosas should be proud of. The Record/Sanders classic “Soulful Strut” gets a great treatment here, with a strong vocal performance from Michelle … it’s a sweet slice of early-70′s AM soul sound … with accordion. It works. A wicked-hot take on Sonny Landreth’s ”The Flame Will Never Die” is bursting with energy … and comes damn close to capturing the vibe of a live show. It should be a live staple – ’nuff said. The only cover that … hmmm … I don’t want to say it doesn’t work … hmmm. The King/Stewart classic “Tennessee Waltz” is played well … and sung well … it just doesn’t seem to fit. Stylistically, I feel it clashes with the personality of the band … it has a restrained feel that almost swims against the tide. I feel bad not loving it … because it is a quality take … but the nature of the song leaves little room for added life.

As far as original tunes go, “Some People” continues to show growth and improvement in the band’s own creations. The album opens with a trio of originals that demonstrate the genre hopping ability Copper Box has … and how well it works. “Some People Change” is a latin-tinged stomp with an intriguing Tom Waits bit of sinister in it. “Racing” is a song from early in the band’s catalog that gets an update … a melancholy number with a breezy chorus straight from the sunny 1970s. Next up is “Adios Baby,” another latin-flavored song (claves people, claves) with a darker flavor. In fact, these three songs rank among my favorites from the band-due to the tone. With so much fun and energy inherent in zydeco and polka, it’s nice to see the band explore moodier, soulful and downright groove-laden sounds. The album closer - “Won’t You Love Me Like That” – is also an interesting song … slipping in and out of styles … with Danny singing some parts, Michelle singing others. It’s got soul … it’s got a sweet groove (I’m using ‘groove’ too much, but that’s the best word for something with so much … groove) … it’s a nice way to wrap the album up.

As far as original polkas go, Danny Jerabek has unleashed a winner with “Johnsonville Firemen’s Two Step.” It’s a fun shuffle that Wisconsin Polka phenom Mike Schneider would be proud of. Mike knows polkas. Actually, I wonder if Danny and Mike know each other. I hope so. I see kindred spirits there.

A long-winded review, I know … but this band is special … and worth talking about. Yes, they play polkas. Yes they are from Oshoksh, WI. You know what? That makes me proud  (as a native Wisconsinite) as they are also very, very good. “Some People” is their best release to date … I’m excited to see where the band goes from here.

Pros: The best album so far from a band brimming with talent … and unique flavor.

Cons: If you are a staunch anti-polka/zydeco/roots music person, you won’t like it … and I am sad for you.

Rating: OOOO (“Excellent” – 4 Moons out of 5) A high-quailty album from start to finish.

If you haven’t seen Copper Box live … and they are in your area – go see them. Their live show is outstanding. You will like polkas by the time you leave …

… and here’s a good example of the vibe and their musicianship … and a bit of “Comfortably Numb.” (I told you, I wasn’t lying) You will like polkas by the time you leave.

 

 

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KAXE Interview on the topic of ethnicity...Sat. Sept. 10th

September 08, 2011

Tune in to 91.7fm KAXE radio from Grand Rapids, MN to hear a LIVE interview on Sat. Sept. 10th from 10am-12noon with Michelle Jerabek on the topic of ethnicity and how Copper Box started.  You can listen in on your computer by clicking here: http://kaxe.org/streaming.aspx

 

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Copper Box on RFD TV...Come and be part of the show!

September 08, 2011

Copper Box will be performing on RFD TV for the "Mollie B Polka Party" in Rothschild, WI.  The TV Taping will take place at The Patriot Center located at 10101 Market St. Rothschild, WI 54474 on Wed. Sept. 14th at 9pm. 

For more information and advance tickets visit http://www.rfdtv.com/events/mollie_b_polka_party/tickets/.

The TV show will be aired later this year.

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Copper Box opens for The Doobie Brothers...

September 01, 2011

CLICK ON THE LINK TO SEE THE PHOTOS...from THE NORTHWESTERN.

http://oshkoshhub.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20110831&Kategori=OSH05&Lopenr=108310815&Ref=PH

An amazing crowd to end the Waterfest concert series 2011 with Mighty Short Bus, Copper Box and then The Doobie Brothers at the Leach Amphitheater in Oshkosh, WI.  Copper Box promoted their 2010 release, LIVE FROM WATERFEST 2010 DVD and their newest CD release called, PEOPLE CHANGE.

It was great to meet everyone backstage.  A lot of times headliners won't say too much to an opening band, but The Doobie Brothers were great to work with and their crew was fantastic, and their show and sound was amazing!  The biggest crowd for the season...7000+. 

 

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NEW CD is HERE!! We are working on getting the new CD, PEOPLE CHANGE, into your hands...

July 18, 2011

Here's what one fan emailed us about the new release:

"We received your new CD today and absolutely love it! The mix of new work with classic former work has made for an awesome blend of 48+ minutes of outstanding Copper Box tunes! Your gift of music creativity is a true blessing and greatly enjoyed. We are SO THANKFUL to have literally stumbled upon Copper Box 6 years ago at Summerfest. Keep up the fine work."

 

CD TITLE: People Change  

Release Date: 7/13/11

Tracks include:

  1. Some People Change   (written by Danny Jerabek)
  2. Racing   (Danny Jerabek) *re-recorded
  3. Adios Baby   (Danny Jerabek)
  4. The Flame Will Never Die   (Sonny Landreth)
  5. Soulful Strut   (Eugene Record, William Nelson Sanders)
  6. Corrido #1   (Cesar Rosas)
  7. Tennessee Waltz   (Pee Wee King, Redd Stewart)
  8. Johnsonville Firemen's Two Step   (Danny Jerabek)
  9. Everytime I Try   (Danny and Michelle Jerabek)
  10. Irish Washerwoman   (Traditional)
  11. Searchin' for Something   (Danny Jerabek)
  12. Won't You Love Me Like That   (Danny Jerabek) *re-recorded

**Danny Jerabek: vocals, button accordion, keyboard, cornet, penny whistle;  Michelle Jerabek: vocals, tenor and bari saxophones, acoustic guitar, washboard; Kevin Junemann: bass, ukelele; Jason Van Ryzin: drums, percussion

**We recorded the CD mostly in our home studio with engineer Mark Richardson from Alchematic Productions.  Mixed by Danny Jerabek and Mark Richardson.  Mastered by Mark Richardson.

STORES:  We are working on getting the CD into your local music stores, so if you have a store that would like to sell the CDs, please email me at [email protected] and let me know the contact information.

RADIO/PODCASTS:  If you have a local radio station that would play the CD, please email me at [email protected] to make sure I have them on our list. 

PROMOTION:  If you know of any magazine, newspaper, blog that would review and promote the CD, please email me at [email protected] and I will add them to our list as well.

FANS:  Without you, we'd be stuck with our music in our hands....we appreciate your support!!!  Thank you! 

HOW CAN YOU GET A COPY OF THE CD?

  1. BUY ONLINE:  Go to our STORE page and buy via PAYPAL.  Allow 2-4 days for shipping. 
  2. BUY VIA SNAIL MAIL: If you'd rather send us a check via snail mail, you can send a check for $18.00 (includes tax, S&H) to Copper Box, PO Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 54903.  We will send it to you immediately!
  3. VISIT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORE:  If they don't have it, please send us an email with the store name and location.  We will contact them about selling our CDs.  If you know of a local store that is NOT a music store, but would like to sell our CDs, please let us know by emailing me at [email protected] 
  4. COME TO A LIVE SHOW:  We always carry plenty of CDs with us at live shows, so check out the TOUR DATES on our website and come to a show to get your copy today!!

Thank you!!!

 

 

 

 

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June is National Accordion Awareness Month! Beware - We mean aware!!

June 03, 2011

We all love GOOD accordion music!  There is good accordion music, and there is bad accordion music.  Copper Box performs GOOD ( kick ass ) accordion music = so put on some sunscreen, put on your favorite comfortable pair of shoes, grab your favorite drink, and we'll see you at some Copper Box shows this month.  " Yeah, baby... that's what I like"

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The WAMI Awards...

April 19, 2011

Had a great time attending The 2011 WAMI Awards Show at Turner Hall in Milwaukee, WI on Sunday, April 17th.  Copper Box was nominated for Americana Artist of the Year and Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year (Danny Jerabek).  We won both awards in 2010, but didn't take home the award this year. 

Had a great time meeting up with fellow musicians and listening to some great bands representing the WI Music Industry.  Congrats to all winners and nominees! 

 

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Copper Box educating students about Traditional Music = Polkas, Waltzes, & the Schottische

May 14, 2010

Danny & Michelle Jerabek were in the Kimberly, WI school district this past week educating & demonstrating to 5th grade students about traditional music and dance.  Thank you to Mrs. Emily Berndt for providing willing students in her World Studies classroom to make it possible.  Danny performed on button accordion, while Michelle taught the different dance steps and also performed on guitar and vocals as well. Danny & Michelle had a great time at the workshop with the students and look forward to doing more in the future.  (please see some photos from the program in the photo gallery)

On another note, Jason VanRyzin (drummer with Copper Box) will also be doing some solo percussion demonstrations for young students coming up in the near future.  Stay tuned...

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Copper Box On You Tube

August 18, 2009

and from Waterfest 2009:

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In the Summertime has arrived! Get it NOW!

July 08, 2009

Get your copy at a LIVE show or send a check ($17 includes tax, S&H) or money order made payable to:

Copper Box

PO Box 3966

Oshkosh, WI 54903

Email us:  [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

***We have Ladies' Black Tank Tops with the razor back featuring the NEW Copper Box CD, "In the Summertime" artwork on the front in color.  Available in S, M, L, XL only.  Please send a check or money order for $23 (includes tax, S&H) to Copper Box at the address above.

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CBx: The Pink Floyd Polka LIVE video on YouTube

June 19, 2009

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The Hype Machine - Copper Box

March 19, 2009

.... we’re long overdue in introducing you to Copper Box.

Straight outta Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and fronted by the husband-and-wife team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek, this band takes a lot of influences, tosses them into the blender and comes up with a distinctive sound. It’s mostly rock, Zydeco and polka, but there’s also some blues, country and Tejano.

The Jerabeks are veteran performers. Their considerable skills were honed in their families’ polka bands, which they joined as kids. Think of the accordian replacing the Hammond organ, yet sounding a bit like it, and you get an idea of Danny’s skills. Michelle plays sax, flute and guitar and is a terrific singer. They’re flanked by bass player Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, and it’s tight.

Copper Box — CBx for short — is no novelty act. It’s been around for seven years and four albums. Tonight, CBx is headlining at Shank Hall, one of Milwaukee’s best clubs for Americana/roots music. Two weeks from tonight, CBx opens for kindred spirits Brave Combo at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, Illinois, another great club in the same vein.

Summer in Wisconsin, of course, brings plenty of outdoor gigs. They’ll be as busy this summer as last summer, when their publicist sent me some mp3s. They offered the whole CD, but I said, nah, I’ll just get it at one of their shows in Green Bay. And then, of course, I never saw them. I hope to make up for that this summer.

No reason for you to miss out. Enjoy a little bit of Copper Box, a delight from our corner of Wisconsin.

copperboxcd

"Need A Little Squeezin" and "Apple Of Your Eye" Copper Box, from "Need A Little Squeezin" 2008. (Also available on iTunes.)

The title tune is a slide blues-rocker written and sung by Michelle. The latter is a Zydeco-meets-jazz number written and sung by Danny. It reminds me a lot of the Iguanas.

These are the first two of 15 cuts on the CD, which was released about a year ago and by all accounts gets pretty close to their live sound.

Speaking of which, enjoy this video. Copper Box covers Creedence’s “Born on the Bayou,” recorded last July 4 at the Sawdust City Days festival in their hometown, Oshkosh.

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Copper Box in Milwaukee, WI

January 05, 2009

Copper Box

8pm Saturday, Shank Hall  $8

The accordion is perhaps one of the least-appreciated musical instruments.  Yet a guy as tough as James Ellroy (whose novels include ultra-hard-boiled classics like "L.A. Confidential") has an ear for it, and if you're living in Milwaukee, you're at least going to learn to tolerate it.

Copper Box makes this easy.  Hailing from Oshkosh, this group features Danny Jerabek, a true accordion virtuoso who translates the vivid physicality of the instrument into an idiomatic style that includes elements of rock, Zydeco, blues and (natch) polka.

His wife, Michelle Jerabek, sings with him and also plays flute, guitar and sax.  With bassist Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, they swing from originals to unusual covers-including a Pink Floyd polka-with style and humor.

Copper Box's latest album is "Need a Little Squeezin' " -an agreeable sentiment.

-Jon M. Gilbertson, Special to the Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)

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Now available on iTunes

September 30, 2008

We are sold out of Sunny Days albums and will not be reproducing them, however, you can NOW buy it on iTunes!  Visit the iTunes Store today and search for Copper Box....you can download our CDs right away!  Go to  www.apple.com/itunes/whatson and search the store for Copper Box.

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What's Your Favorite CBx Song(s)?

September 29, 2008

What is your favorite CBx song(s)?

We are taking a poll....join the message board or email us at [email protected] and give us your feedback on your favorite song that CBx does LIVE or a song from the CDs...it could be a cover song or an original. Tell us why.

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CD Review by Wildy's World

July 02, 2008

Review by Wildy's World on Jul 02, 2008 - Rating - 4 (Really Like Them)

Copper Box - Need A Little Squeezin'
2008, Copper Box

If you want to know how to make a party go mad with delight, you start with the band. You can go the traditional straightforward rock route, but if you want to appeal to a broad array of attendees you've got to have some variety in the sound. So you take elements of Rock, Country, Zydeco, Pokla, Klezmer and even some Jethro Tull-inspired flute playing and you mix them up into one musical super group. Or you could just pick up Need A Little Squeezin', the dynamic and wonderful new CD from Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s own Copper Box.

I'm guessing you'll likely never see Copper Box on MTV-2 or VH-1, but this is an incredibly entertaining band nonetheless. Need A Little Squeezin' works because it is firmly ground in the fundamentals and styles of music that has pleased crowds for ages, but has a modern edge and energy to it similar to the life Brian Setzer breathes into his music.

The title track, Need A Little Squeezin starts off the album with a bang, with the wonderful (and sorely under-represented) vocals of Michelle Jerabek. Her voice has a true Nashville sound with just a hint of a rock edge to it, and is much more interesting than a lot of the bland voices that float out of Nashville these days. This is followed up by Apple Of Your Eye, which has some of the best Ian Anderson-inspired flute playing this side of, well, Ian Anderson.

Need A Little Squeezin' avoids the whole Lawrence Welk sound that I always envision when I see an accordion (although Hopeless Lover definitely rides the edge). What you get instead is a vivacious presentation of new songs in the Zydeco vein, or snappy, modern interpretations of the occasional classic (Jambalaya). Copper Box has created a musical framework that should (in theory) do for Zydeco what Setzer did for small-band swing a number of years ago. Need A Little Squeezin' is a rollicking good time, and will cause spontaneous smiling and dancing at any sensible party. It's a must-hear.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

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CD Review by Indie Music Sampler Podcast

July 01, 2008

Review by Indie Music Sampler Podcast on Jul 01, 2008

Rating - 4 (Really Like Them)

I have to admit - it's not very often you'll hear an accordion on my program but this group is irresistible. "Need A Little Squeezin'" was featured on episode #102 of Indie Music Sampler. I love the way this group take a little from several genres and turns it into something you can't quite put your finger on.

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CD Review by Ed's Mixed Bag

June 28, 2008

Review by Eds Mixed Bag on Jun 28, 2008

Rating - 5 (Love Them!)

Copper Box;
It's out,!! episode #142 of the Ed's Mixed Bag podcast with your track, "Need A Little Squeezin' " & thanks for the excellent intro and ID. I'll be back here to Ariel to grab another track by you guys!! Thanks, again.

Podcast Rating - Definitely - Will add this track to a future podcast

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CD Review by Mondo Blu

June 19, 2008

Review by Mondo Blu on Jun 19, 2008

Rating - 4 (Really Like Them) - Boisterous, Carefree, Cheerful, Confident, Earthy, Elegant, Energetic, Freewheeling, Fun, Lively, Party, Stylish, Fun

Just finished listening to this CD and really enjoyed it. It covers so may different styles and it's also a lot of fun! Here are the tracks I'll be playing from this weekend 20/06:

NEED A LITTLE SQUEEZIN' - JAMBALAYA - GYPSY DANCER - HEY BABY, ¿QUÉ PASÓ? - TIJUANA - SCHTUMPFER'S CUMBIA - ZYDECO CHA CHA CHA - PLEASE PASS THE SCHNAPS - PURPLE BOA - REDHEADS HAVE MORE FUN - ZYDECO BOOGALOO - HOWARDS GROVE PARADE.

Keep up the good work and above all, keep having fun!

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CD Review by Indie Music Stop

June 18, 2008

Review by Indie Music Stop on Jun 18, 2008

Rating - 5 (Love Them!) - Energetic, Fun, Lively

Hi Guys,

Great CD. I just got done reviewing it for on my site.

Here's the direct link to it:

http://cwonline.110mb.com/upb/upb2.2.1/viewtopic.php?id=37&t_id=1

I gave it a 9 out of 10. Really fun, refreshing, unique sounding music.

Thanks,

From,

C.W. Ross
Senior Writer
[email protected]
Indie Music Stop
http://www.indiemusicstop.com

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Copper Box comes alive in latest CD

May 01, 2008

Need a Little Squeezin', Copper Box

Copper Box knows how to get an audience grooving.  Once the Oshkosh-based band starts laying down its infectious groove, the dance floor is filled before youcan say, "Hey Baby, Que Paso."

It doesn't hurt that the husband-wife frontman/woman team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek are talented, enthusiastic multi-instrumental veterans of the stage, both having grown up in their respective families' polka bands.

Combine the Jerabeks with an equally talented and enthusiastic rhythm section in the form of Kevin Junemann on bass and precision stickman Jason Van Ryzin on drums, and you have a band that demands to be seen live.

While Copper Box has released several CDs, I confess that I felt something essential was always missing from those earlier recordings, as if the band's vital essence could never truly be captured on recordings.  Wrong!  Need a Little Squeezin' is as close to a live Copper Box set as you're ever likely to get.

As Michelle notes on the Copper Box website (www.copperboxsite.com), this is the first time the band didn't record itself.  Need a Little Squeezin' was recorded at Marc Golde's busy Rock Garden Studio in Appleton, with Golde and Danny Jerabek engineering.  

This recording should become a showcase in Glode's long list of recordings because it sounds great and ably displays what a band candowhen the members can concentrate on the work at hand--i.e., making music-rather than worrying about recording production values.

Nine of the 15 tunes were penned by Danny, including a new arrangement of his previously recorded, "Apple of Your Eye" (from the first Copper Box CD, Roots), with Michelle contributing jazz flute that elds beautifully with Dannys melodic button box.  The title tune, a slow-burning blues that opens the CD, was written by Michelle.

The remainder of the songs include Hank Williams' Cajun-flavored "Jambalaya," Clifton Chenier's "Zydeco Cha Cha," Buckwheat Zydeco's "Zydeco Boogaloo" and a rousing, heartfelt version of "Please Pass the Schnapps" by late Happy Schnapps Combo founder, Jim Krueger.

Throughout the CD, Copper Box shows the members' wideranging influences, from Tex-Mex ("Hey Baby, Que Paso" by AugieMeyers and Bill Sheffield of the Texas Tornados and Danny's own "Tijuana") to CTI-era jazz ("Red Heads Have More Fun").

One of the brightest moments in the album closer "Howards Grove Parade," Danny Jerabek's tribute to second line brass bands of New Orleans, with Danny blowing a sousaphone, Michelle on sax and Van Ryzin on the marching snare and Junemann resonating on a marching bass drum.

The band is joined by frequent live show collaborator Jeff Roblee on percussion (tracks 4,5,8,9,14), Moon Gypsy, Chris Wagoner on lap steel (title track) and violin (track 13) and fan and sometime roadie Kevin "Schtumpfer" Hemb on stumpf fiddle (tracks 10, 15).

If you don't know what a stumpf fiddle is, check Copper Box live.  They always get a few stumpf fiddlers, especially at what has become an annual gig for them and the Jerry Schneider Band, at the WI Microbrewers Festival at Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton, WI on Sunday May 18th.

To get a copy of Need a Little Squeezin' you've got to catch Copper Box live somewhere, or send a check or money order for $18 (that includes S&H) to Copper Box, P.O. Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 54903.  Or order online at www.copperboxsite.com.

 

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Need a Little Squeezin'

April 17, 2008

The NEW CD is out and available NOW!!  Buy it at a LIVE show

2) Snail Mail:  Send a check or money order made payable to Copper Box for $15 plus S&H ($3.00)  TOTAL: $18 and we'll send it to you direct within 7 business days.  Copper Box  PO Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 59403.

OR buy a copy from the Copper Box store. Need a Little Squeezin'?  ---Polka-Rock-Zydeco ....an hour of music!  Get it in your collection.

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