I CAN’T LET GO was written soon after volume II came out for a possible volume III but lived as a demo and sheet music sketch in my desk drawer. There are about twenty of these tunes in that same old drawer that I shuffled through when trying to pick songs would fit Legends and Fables. I liked this song because of the melody, lyrics, and classical element to the arrangement. It turned out to be the first cut on the CD since it kind of sets the pace for the rest of the songs that follow.

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on lead vocal

Tommy Bulanda - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass

John Zelasko - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Piano, saxophone & vocals

John Okrzesik and John Okrzesik Jr. - Trumpet

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

I promise to be with you til the end of time

I’ll be right beside you. Everyone will know you’re mine.

Never leave my side, Dear. This can’t be goodbye.

I can’t let you go away this time..

I can’t let go when I’m holding your hand

and I’m so glad that you took me as I am.

I can’t let go in the still of the night.

and when morning comes I’ll hold you in the light.

I can’t let go. I can’t let go. I can’t let go

Going ‘round the dance floor til the song is through.

Nothing could be sweeter than to be in love with you.

Take me in your arms, Dear. Tell me what you see.

The love that holds your heart belongs to me.

WE’LL FIND A WAY was written specifically for Freeze Dried. Johnny Krawisz asked if I would come up with a few originals for them way back around 2004. I sent him three originals including a song called The Wrong Foot, a polka written in 3/4 time, that was recorded on their Bodacious Ditties CD years later. I wrote We’ll Find A Way back then with the suggestion of Johnny singing it, which is why he is featured on lead vocal as originally intended! Thanks Johnny!

Featuring Johnny Krawisz on lead vocal

Michael Maduzia - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass

John Krawisz - Accordion, lead vocal

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone, piano, background vocals

Mike Stapinski - Trumpets, guitar

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

How can we get along? Can’t we find some common ground?

In the sand the line’s been drawn. Take my arms and lay them down, for this round.

CHORUS:

We’ll find a way, just wait and see. We’ll find a way, you and me. We’ll find a way, just wait and see. We’ll find a way, you and me. We know we can always rise above. Our love will find a way.

All I ask is for this chance, listen to my point of view.

This is one circumstance where something old is something new, just for you.

(CHORUS)

BRIDGE:

In this crazy world I found a girl for me

and it’s plain to see that she’s the one... for me.

We’ll find a way, just wait and see. We’ll find a way, you and me. We’ll find a way, just wait and see. We’ll find a way, you and me. (repeat and ad lib)

ON THE ROAD AGAIN was the theme song of my wife Lynn’s grandparents. They would run polka bus trips up and down the east coast and this would typically be the first song played on the bus. My wife asked if I would do this as a cover tune on the album in their memory.

I didn’t want to arrange the song in a traditional way and wanted to originally do it all a cappella, but that didn’t work out too well. So then I thought, how about just saxophones? I ended up doing the arrangement as a combination of both. It came out quirky but I liked it in the end. It has a rather 1940’s vibe to it.

My son Christopher is playing the smooth clarinet solo, and my wife Lynn is singing background vocals with me as well.

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on lead vocal

Stephen Kaminski - Vocals, saxophones, MIDI orchestrations

Christopher Kaminski - Clarinet

Lynn Kaminski - Background vocals

Composed by Willie Nelson

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by EMI FULL NELSON MUSIC BMI, GEMA

Lyrics:

On the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been

Seeing things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway

We're the best of friends

Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way

Is on the road again

I just can't wait to get on the road again

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been

Seeing things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway

We're the best of friends

Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way

Is on the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road, I can't wait to get on the road,

I can't wait to get on the road… again

WHY DID HE DIE is an original. The phrase “Wydididi” is a “la la la” kind of phrase that means nothing. The old joke is, “What is the most played song at a Polish funeral? - Wydididi”. I said, “If that isn’t a real song, it should be.” This song was performed maybe once by Freeze Dried but retreated back into the drawer. I thought is was a nice light-hearted song that would compliment this album’s line up, plus bring poor Bartender Bing back to life.

Special thanks to Mike Stapinski for arranging and recording the multiple clarinet tracks.

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on lead vocal

Roger Malinowski - Drums

Mike Stapinski - Bass, trumpet & clarinet

John Krawisz - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Piano, saxophone & vocals

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Clarinets arranged by Mike Stapinski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

Why did he die? Why did he die?

Bartender Bing. What a bloody thing.

Why did he, did he die?

Why did he die? Why did he die?

Poor Buddy Bing. What a bloody thing.

Why did he, did he die?

Let me tell you a tale of some whiskey and ale

how bartender Bing met his doom

Bing was wise as a sage and the bar was his stage

it was art to the folks in the room.

But one, they say, he invented a firey brew.

But then, so they say, he went en flambe....

so we sing ‘bout a Bing, ‘bout a boom.

Why did he die? Why did he die?

Bartender Bing. What a bloody thing.

Why did he, did he die?

Why did he die? Why did he die?

Poor Buddy Bing. What a bloody thing.

Why did he, did he die?

Now we sit and pray to God that his soul be saved

but what a shame all those drinks he made were taken to his grave!

CHORUS

Key change:

Why did he die? Why did he die?

Bartender Bing. What a bloody thing. Why did he, did he die?

Why did he die? Why did he die? Poor Buddy Bing. What a bloody thing.

Why

did he...

(a tempo)

die?

Why did he did he? Why did he did he? Why did he did he die?

ONCE UPON A DECEMBER is from the movie Anastasia and is one of my daughters’ favorite animated films. My goal was to find a song that both my two daughters, Hadley and Aleya, and my two sons, Nicholas and Christopher, could all perform on. Bryan Hansen, is a friend of my children who went to school with my son Nicholas, and has ever been like an adopted kid to us as well. I asked Bryan to play guitar so all “five” of my kids are performing. The whole song came together quite nicely, especially after John Zelasko added a brilliant accordion track.

Featuring Hadley and Aleya Kaminski on vocals

John Zelasko - Accordion

Hadley Kaminski - Lead vocal

Aleya Kaminski - Harmony vocal

Nicholas Kaminski - Piano

Christopher Kaminski - Clarinet

Bryan Hansen - Guitar

Stephen Kaminski - MIDI orchestrations

Composed by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens

Published by HILLSDALE MUSIC INC ASCAP, GEMA

TCF Music Pub Inc ASCAP, GEMA

Pen and Perseverance Inc. ASCAP, GEMA

WC Music Corp ASCAP

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Lyrics:

Dancing bears, painted wings

Things I almost remember.

And a song someone sings once upon a December.

Someone holds me safe and warm.

Horses prance through a silver storm.

Figures dancing gracefully across my memory.

Far away, long ago,

Glowing dim as an ember

Things my heart used to know

once upon a December

Someone holds me safe and warm.

Horses prance through a silver storm.

Figures dancing gracefully across my memory.

Far away, but long ago,

Glowing dim as an ember

Things my heart used to know

Things it yearns to remember

And a song someone sings once upon a December

SUNSHINE is an original composed by Jenna Libera. This song won 2nd place in the IPA (International Polka Association) 1st Annual Young Songwriter’s Competition. I loved the jazz influences of this song and asked Jenna if I could include it on this album. I also asked her if she would like to sing on it as well. She agreed and it came out great.

I have to also compliment Brian Kapka on drums and Tony Blazonczyk on bass for tackling such a non-traditional tune. Their input to the arrangement was extremely valuable and helped make this a great, unique track.

Featuring Jenna Libera on lead vocal

Brian Kapka- Drums

Tony Blazonczyk - Bass

John Krawisz - Accordion

Mike Stapinski - Trumpet

Stephen Kaminski - Piano & saxophone

Composed by Jenna Libera*

*2nd Place Winner of the 1st Annual IPA Young

Songwriter’s Competition

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

Chorus

Take a look around, tell me what you see

I can feel the sunshine beating down on me

You ask me what you wanna do, I’ll tell you what I say I don’t really mind just keep those clouds away.

VERSE 1

Driving ‘round through the city, destination unknown

Placed an order for iced coffee. Single order for one.

You were laughing in the corner ‘cause you knew I’d be there. I had to add more to my order.

Sipping on our drinks going anywhere

Chorus

VERSE 2

Ended up somewhere downtown. Got in line for ice cream.

Took a walk to the playground. Watched the kids laugh and scream. Days like this are filled with happiness, so relaxing and carefree.

I love the way you make me feel blessed

Going through the joys of life just you and me...oh.

Chorus

... keep those clouds away.

CARAVAN is a cover song originally done by Duke Ellington. A more “rock” arrangement was done by the band Chicago on their 1995 Night and Day / Big Band album. Of that album, this was the only redeeming song on that entire album (sorry Chicago). I thought it would make a good polka crossover tune and later arranged it for Charm City Sound, but we never got to it. I originally had Mike Matousek in mind for lead vocal. That was always in my head, so when this arrangement escaped the drawer for this production I asked Mike Matousek if he would sing lead. I am so glad he did. His voice was the magical ingredient for delivering this rendition and I cannot thank him enough!

Thanks to Tommy Bulanda for the incredible drums! Andrew Okrzesik for the great guitar solos! I also have to thank Johnny Okrzesik Sr and his boys for coming in a laying down the amazing horn section. This was a fun and challenging track to record.

Featuring Mike Matousek on lead vocal

Tommy Bulanda - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass, electric guitar

John Zelasko - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Piano, saxophone & background vocals

David Okrzesik - Trumpet

John Okrzesik - Trumpet

John Okrzesik Jr. - Trombone

Michael Okrzesik - Trumpet

Composed by Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol

Published by SONY ATV HARMONY ASCAP

EMI Mills Music Inc ASCAP

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Lyrics:

Night and stars above that shine so bright.

The mystery of their fading light

that shines upon our caravan.

Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep

across the sands so I may keep

the memory of this caravan.

This is so exciting. You are so inviting

resting in my arms as I thrill to the magic,

the magic of your charms.

You beside me here beneath the blue

my dream of love is coming true

within our desert caravan

This is so exciting. You are so inviting

resting in my arms as I thrill to the magic,

the magic of your charms.

You beside me here beneath the blue

my dream of love is coming true

within our desert caravan

SECRET AGENT MAN is also a cover tune, originally recorded by Johnny Rivers. It was made into a polka by Toledo Polkamotion (TPM) sung by Eddie Biegaj many years ago. I did an arrangement of this song for Freeze Dried but we never got to it. The arrangement stayed in the drawer until my wife and I were driving home from a festival. The TPM version came up on our playlist which reminded me of the lost arrangement. I immediately (in the car) texted Eddie to ask him, if I covered this tune, would he record vocals again. I am so glad he accepted the invite! Only Eddie could do this lead vocal justice.

Special shout out to Polka Hall of Fame inductee Rick Rzeszutko for recording the trumpets and trombone! He rocked it along with Mike Maduzia on drums, Andrew on bass and Johnny Krawisz on accordion.

Easter Egg! - The echo heard at the end on Eddie’s vocal is the actual echo taken from the original TPM recording ending.

Featuring Eddie Biegaj on lead vocal

Michael Maduzia - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass

John Krawisz - Accordion, B3 organ

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone, percussion

Rick Rzeszutko - Trumpet, trombone

Composed by Steve Barri &,P.F. Sloan

Published by Universal Music Corp. ASCAP, GEMA

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Lyrics:

There’s a man who leads a life of danger

To everyone he meets he stays a stranger

With every move he makes another chance he takes

Odds are he won't live to see tomorrow

Secret Agent Man, Secret Agent Man

They've given you a number and taken away your name

Beware of pretty faces that you find

A pretty face can hide an evil mind

Oh, be careful what you say or you'll give yourself away

Odds are you won't live to see tomorrow

Secret Agent Man, Secret Agent Man

They've given you a number and taken away your name

Swinging on the Riviera one day

And then laying in a Bombay alley next day

Oh, don't you let the wrong words slip while kissing persuasive lips

Odds are you won't live to see tomorrow

Secret Agent Man, Secret Agent Man

They've given you a number and taken away your name

They've given you a number and taken away your name

taken away your name

MY HEART, YOUR HEART is an original song. Originally it was titled The Sky Is Falling but the lyrics did not fit the groove of the song. So I changed the lyrics for a better cohesive fit and meld the lyrics with the groove.

This was another song written for Freeze Dried that we never got around to rehearsing. When it came time to pull it back out of the drawer, I asked Paul Krywy who has played with many groups, but especially the DynaBrass, to record drums. I told him, “Paul, I have a rock oberek that I need you on. I would like you to record it as if this were a drum solo from start to finish.” I could see the wheels turning and the smile on his face from Michigan to Illinois.

Think of this tune as if Chuck Mangione recorded an oberek.

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on lead vocal & Paul Krywy on drums

Paul Krywy - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass, electric guitar

John Zelasko - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone, vocals

John Okrzesik and John Okrzesik Jr. - Trumpet

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

Verse 1:

You were dancing when I first saw you. Happy as can be

It felt like lightning to be near you. Fate was leading me

Chorus

My heart beats in 3/4 rhythm. Your heart beats in 2/4 time

Together we make one cool rhythm

when your heart beats next to mine.

Verse 2:

Sometimes life has missing pieces. Sometimes love’s to blame

Puzzle pieces that fit together can complete the frame

Chorus

My heart beats in 3/4 rhythm. Your heart beats in 2/4 time

Together we make one cool rhythm

when your heart beats next to mine.

My heart beats in (three) Your heart beats in (two)

Together we make (one)

when your heart beats next to mine.

Bridge:

True love cannot be denied.

Let our wise old hearts decide

Let your heart beat next to mine

Chorus

My heart beats in 3/4 rhythm. Your heart beats in 2/4 time

Together we make one cool rhythm

when your heart beats next to mine.

SIX BEERS IN is an original song done in a zydeco flavor. It was conceived when my wife was on the phone with our friend and neighbor, Mary. My wife asked how she was doing. Her response (on speaker phone) was, “Oh, I’m six beers in already.” I laughed, thought that was a great song title and immediately wrote the chorus to this song into my phone within 5 minutes before they even hung up.

I then reached out to Kevin Altenburg to ask if he would like to do this as a feature for himself both on concertina and lead vocal. Between that wonderful collaboration and the groove laid down by Mike Maduzia it all came together.

After initial recording, I felt the song was too short, so we digitally added the solo section and extra chorus before the end key change. One of my favorites songs on the album!

Featuring Kevin Altenburg on Lead Vocal and Concertina

Michael Maduzia - Drums

Kevin Altenburg - Bass, concertina, vocals

John Krawisz - Accordion

Joey Derus - Guitar

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone, piano, background vocals

Inspired by and dedicated to Mary Ciner

Composed by Stephen Kaminski

Arranged by Kevin Altenburg & Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

Verse One:

No one had to drag me out by my collar

No one had to twist my arm. I did it on my own.

No one had to pull me outta the house

No one had to get the okay from my spouse.

But somebody better drive me home.

Chorus:

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy

Just enough. Having a good time.

Don’t you worry ‘bout me. I’ll be just fine.

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy.

Verse Two:

No one was looking down when I got here.

No one was ready to dance until I hit the floor.

No one needed any help in rocking this place

No one stumbled out the door with any grace

So somebody, better pour me one more.

Chorus:

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy

Just enough. Having a good time.

Don’t you worry ‘bout me. I’ll be just fine.

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy.

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy

Just enough. Having a good time.

Don’t you worry ‘bout me. I’ll be just fine.

I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy.

Yeah I’m six beers in. Two tequilas shy.

TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME is a very old tune from the early 1900’s. It was featured in the Steve Martin movie The Jerk as he and Bernadette Peters are walking along the beach. That “duet” always stuck with me as a cute tune. For this album, I wanted to include a duet for my wife Lynn and myself and thought of this tune. It works in a faster tempo, so the arrangement went more towards a Cleveland / Slovenian flavor style. It’s not 100% authentic I know, but the tune works really nicely and compliments the song lineup.

My wife taught herself how to play ukulele especially for this song! She worked long and hard on it so much so that we barely needed to stop when doing a take for recording!

All the musicians were great, but I was especially honored that Roger Malinowski was willing to step out of his comfort zone and lay down this steady track. He is the master! Special thanks as well to Alex Meixner for adding his great accordion licks!

Featuring Stephen & Lynn Kaminski on vocals

Roger Malinowski - Drums

Mike Stapinski - Bass

John Krawisz - Rhythm accordion

Alex Meixner - Lead accordion

Joey Derus - Banjo

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone & vocals

Lynn Kaminski - Ukulele & vocals

Composed by Lee David and Billy Rose

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by MILLS MUSIC INC GEMA

C&J David Music Company ASCAP

Anne Rachel Music Corp ASCAP

Lyrics:

I know (I know) you belong to somebody new

But tonight you belong to me

Although (Although) we're apart you're a part of my heart

And tonight you belong to me

Way down by the stream, how sweet it will seem

Once more just to dream in the moonlight

My honey I know (I know)

With the dawn that you will be gone

But tonight you belong to me

Way down by the stream, how sweet it will seem

Once more just to dream in the moonlight

My honey I know (I know)

With the dawn that you will be gone

But tonight you belong to me

But tonight you belong to me

Just a little ol’ me

SWEET NOVEMBER is another original. The inspiration for the song came from one lyric in the Martin Page song Light in Your Heart where the second verse ends with, “let me dream in your footsteps, walk in your sleep”. I thought that was such a nice utterance it could be its own song.

I wish I could express my thanks to John Zelasko well enough to put into words. His accordion work on this song is simply transcending. This album was my first time recording with John Zelasko. I am so happy and appreciative that we got the opportunity to work together.

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on lead vocal

Paul Krywy - Drums

Andrew Okrzesik - Bass

John Zelasko - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Saxophone, piano & vocal

Teddy Okrzesik Jr. - Trumpet

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

When the road is long and you’re far away

my arms reach out but you can’t see.

When the daydreams fade and steal away

I’ll close my eyes tonight and there you’ll be.

CHORUS:

I’ll dream of Sweet November

and you’ll be there

inside of my dreams forever

I’ll feel you near.

I’ll walk in your sleep and we’ll always meet

as long as I dream of Sweet November,

of Sweet November

THERE’S A KIND OF HUSH is of course a cover tune recorded and made famous by Herman’s Hermits. When I asked Keith Stras if he would like to sing a tune on this album, I left it up to him to pick the song. I thought he would lean more towards some obscure B-side 45 Polish recording from like 1957, which would have been fine since I was going to arrange it anyway. To my surprise he picked this song, and it worked out just great!

I blew out the dust from my clarinet for this one! The rest of the horns are pretty much the same horn lines as the the original Herman’s Hermits arrangement.

Featuring Keith Stras on lead vocal

Brian Kapka- Drums

Tony Blazonczyk - Bass

John Krawisz - Accordion

Rick Rzeszutko - Trumpet, trombone

Stephen Kaminski - Sax, clarinet, piano & background vocals

Composed by Les Reed Geoff Stephens

Published by PEERMUSIC III LTD BMI

Donna Music Ltd, GEMA

Tic Toc Music (UK) Ltd ASCAP, GEMA

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Lyrics:

There’s a kind of hush

All over the world tonight

All over the world

You can hear the sound of lovers in love

You know what I mean

Just the two of us and nobody else in sight

There's nobody else

And I'm feeling good just holding you tight

So listen very carefully

Move closer now and you will see what I mean

It isn't a dream

The only sound that you will hear

Is when I whisper in your ear

"I love you forever and ever"

There's a kind of hush

All over the world tonight

All over the world

You can hear the sounds of lovers in love

So listen very carefully

Move closer now and you will see what I mean

It isn't a dream

The only sound that you will hear

Is when I whisper in your ear

"I love you forever and ever"

There's a kind of hush

All over the world, tonight

All over the world

People just like us are falling in love

BARRY DEBONE is an original tune that I wrote in collaboration with Teddy Okrzesik Jr. While playing with Freeze Dried, Johnny Krawisz and I always threw around the idea of writing a polka with only ONE chord throughout the song. It was a challenge! I researched other one-chord songs such as Fireball by Pit Bull. The “club style” arrangement of this song stems from Fireball. The only time this song ventures off the one-chord motif is during the choruses. I tried my best!

For the song content I reached out to Teddy who once joked in rehearsal about doing a Freeze Dried song featuring just the bari sax and trombone, and calling it Barry DeBone. It was funny. Ted then came up with lyrics almost on the spot. When this song was developing I asked Ted if he still had his lyrics sketches for Barry DeBone, and the song was born!

Featuring Teddy Okrzesik Jr on lead vocal

John Zelasko - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - Bari saxophone, MIDI orchestrations

John Okrzesik Jr. - Trombone

Composed by Teddy Okrzesik Jr. & Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Arranged by Stephen Kaminski

VERSE 1

I’m gonna tell you a story ‘bout a man named Barry

A guy who called Chicago home

He played the slide trombone and the bari saxophone

and they called him Barry deBone

He stood eight foot four according to the lore

A tower at center stage

Barry was the smoothest and the hottest and the coolest

Barry, yeah, he always wore shades

VERSE 2

Barry had a combo that drove the crowd crazy

when they played at all the local scenes.

And when Barry blew a solo on his big black bari

all the fans started to scream

Chorus

Barry, Barry, Barry de de Bone Bone Bone

He played the bari sax and the slide trombone

All the ladies loved him like an ice cream cone

Barry never went home alone.

VERSE 3

And when things got hot and the crowd was getting rowdy

Barry put down that saxophone

You could barely hear a thing as all the people roared

when Barry whipped out his slide trombone

Chorus

Barry, Barry, Barry de de Bone Bone Bone

He played the bari sax and the slide trombone

All the ladies loved him like an ice cream cone

Barry never went home alone.

Barry, Barry, Barry de de Bone Bone Bone

He played the bari sax and the slide trombone

All the ladies loved him like an ice cream cone

Barry never went home alone.

A legend on the sax and the bone.

Barry Barry Barry DeBone

2:15 is an original composition, with the insert of Blue Skirt Waltz. It is done as a narrative and was inspired by the song Teddy Bear made famous by country artist Red Sovine. It was such a huge hit back in the ’70’s and I always wondered how this story telling style could possibly translate into our little polka world. Although the story of “2:15” is fictional, it is inspired by real events.

The song is inspired by a group called Chicago’s Polish Carolers who have been in existence for over 50 years. The present leader of the organization is Tony Blazonczyk. They are all-volunteer and go from home to home, nursing homes, churches, hospitals, and yes, funeral homes. They bring Christmas cheer to people who need it the most in the Chicago area around the holidays. I hope this selection sheds light on the best parts of ourselves, to inspire us to feel and do for others where ever and when ever we can. Look up Chicago’s Polish Carolers the next time you are on Facebook and YouTube!

Featuring Stephen Kaminski on narrations and vocals

John Krawisz - Accordion

Stephen Kaminski - MIDI orchestrations, clarinet, vocals

Dedicated to and inspired by the Polish Carolers of Chicago

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

“Blue Skirt Waltz” composed by Mitchell Parish & Václav Bláha

“Blue Skirt Waltz” published by A Tempo Verlag Musik

Und Buehnenverlagsgesmbh , GEMA

Dvorsky ASCAP

EMI Mills Music Inc ASCAP

CHRISTMAS MAGIC is a bonus tune for the album. Dedicated to my wife, Lynn, for always keeping Christmas Magic alive in our home. My daughters recorded the song as a Christmas gift to my wife a few years ago. At the time of this song’s recording, Hadley was only eleven years old and sister Aleya was seventeen.

Featuring Hadley and Aleya Kaminski on vocals

Stephen Kaminski- Soprano sax, MIDI orchestrations

Hadley Kaminski - Lead vocal

Aleya Kaminski - Harmony vocals

Dedicated to Lynn Kaminski for always keeping the

Christmas Magic alive

Composed and arranged by Stephen Kaminski

Published by Stephen Kaminski Music BMI

Lyrics:

Christmas magic. Christmas morning.

Christmas presents under the tree

and smells of cinnamon as snow gently falls outside my door.

It’s Christmas once more

Christmas magic. Christmas morning.

In comfy jammies around the tree

And sipping cocoa as I crave a marshmallow or two

It’s all because of you

The greatest gifts you ever gave to me

The ones I treasure most of all

are the memories of the magic

The Christmas magic you gave to us all.

Christmas magic. Christmas morning.

Lasts forever in our hearts

Christmas memories remain no matter how we grow

This is how I know

The greatest gifts you ever gave to me

The ones I treasure most of all

are the memories of the magic

The Christmas magic you gave to us all.

Christmas… Magic…

Christmas… Magic…

Christmas… Magic…