I've been a drummer since 1971. The musicians are first class. And contrary to another reviewer,the music and swing are NOT watered down. Lawrence Welk indeed was a fine musician. He made quite a living playing the accordion when people were lucky to have a crystal set to listen to the radio.
If there can be any complaint about the music, one must realize that the audio recordings of TV shows of this era were not as widely dynamic or in stereophonic sound. Most TV sets of the era were pretty low fi in terms of sound.
IF there was one episode of the show that you could use to introduce people to the greatness of the show, I would suggest: Strike up the Band from 1964. Great, Great dancing by Barbara Boylan and Bobby Burgess. A perfect solo by Bob Ralston. And talk about swing? How about, "Slipped Disc" in the style of Benny Goodman? A great solo by Norman Bailey on trumpet of the great, "Sugar Blues" in the style of Clyde McCoy.
There are even more great tunes by the lennon sisters.
The Black and White quality is sharp as a tack.
Lawrence Welk single handedly kept big bands alive along with the Great American Song Book.
Is it corny? Well, corn is good for you! But its only corny if you are one of those guys who think you are too cool for school.
Top notch musicians. I mean they could play any style and go between styles in the same show as easily as you can imagine.
I've heard great Dixieland music, followed by popular music of the day, swing from the past and folk songs all in the same episode. All played very well.
Anyone who thinks otherwise might not know too much about music. Go to the shows of the late 50's and early 60's and you can see some GREAT electric guitar by neil lavang and the great buddy merril.
A leading exponent of traditional jazz/dixieland trumpet playing was the great Richard Cathcart. He was so good he did the trumpet work in the fine film, "Pete Kelly's Blues".
And then there was Bob Havens. Talk about excellent trombone players, he studied with the famous Jack Teagarden.
There were more than 1000 episodes of this show made. I only wish they were all available on DVD. I would pay top dollar for all 1000 eps!
What's wrong with this show? Nothing. Not a thing.
Somehow, this was pigeonholed as nothing but a polka show. Believe me they do polkas , but there is so much more. And they make the polkas lots of fun too.
Its on PBS now on almost 300 stations throughout the USA. Check your local listings. Some big fancy towns think they are above it all and you might not find it in some towns.
This show has been on as long as "I Love Lucy". And since there are MORE shows than "I Love Lucy" there is that much more entertainment.
I just wish I could personally tell all the performers what I really think of them.
to Barbara Boylan, the best looking girl ever on the show, you are a fantastic dancer and you are my favorite.
To Norman Bailey, what a great master of the trumpet, esp the mute!
To John Klein, the drummer, you did it all with such taste and dignity.
There isn't anyone on this show that I wouldn't be lucky to meet in person. God Bless you all!
