Power Play
Don Slamka, Mike Slamka, Jack Slamka, Mark Slamka
Power Play was formed in 1988, and won the Pioneer (Michigan) District quartet championship in the fall of 1989. They've competed in international competition 12 times, most recently in Toronto where they earned international gold medals. Nothing can compare with the Power of family. This group consists of a father, his two sons, and his nephew. Jack Slamka, the father, sings bass and is a 30-year member of the Society. He lives in Riley Twp., MI with his wife, Kitty. Michael, his son, sings lead and is a 20-year member of the Society. He lives in St.Clair, MI with his wife, Traci, and their three daughters Michaela (9), Mackenzi (6), and Madison (3). Don, the nephew, sings tenor and is a 17-year member of the Society. He lives in Saline, MI with his wife, Staci and their daughter Holli (3). Mark, the other son, sings baritone and is a 15-year member of the Society. He lives in St. Clair Shores, MI with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Dylan (2). This quartet proves that the family that Plays together stays together.
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Side By Side The Sunshine of Your Smile Moonlight Becomes You I've Been Workin' on the Railroad Time After Time A Sunday Kind of Love Play That Barbershop Chord My Foolish Heart Till Tomorrow Takin' A Chance on Love Let Me Be Your Wings When There's Love at Home Rise, Shine the Light is a Comin' |
Rare in the barbershop world in that it's made up completely of family members (Dad Jack Slamka sings bass with his sons Mike, sing lead, and Mark, baritone, and his nephew tenor Don), Michigan-based Power Play took the 2003 Quartet Gold in Montreal, Canada! Here are 13 of the group's best: "Side by Side," "The Sunshine of Your Smile," "Moonlight Becomes You," "I've Been Working on the Railroad," "Time After Time," "A Sunday Kind of Love," "Play That Barbershop Chord," "My Foolish Heart," "'Till Tomorrow," "Taking A Chance on Love," "Let Me Be Your Wings," the title tune, "When There's Love at Home" and the traditional spiritual, "Rise, Shine, For the Light is A-Comin'." Formed in 1988, the group has appeared in international competition 12 times, medalling the last three years before winning it all in Montreal (5th in 2000, 5th in 2001 and 3rd in 2002). The foursome is built around family, and it was the title tune and "I Learned It from My Dear Old Dad" that won it for them at the Finals. The powerful, ringing chords are some of the best we've heard. We can only recommend this CD and offer congrats to Michigan's Power Play!
Listen to "Time After Time" and "When There's Love at Home" in Real Audio
| 5404 CD $14.98 |
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Hey Look Me Over / If My Friends Could See Me Now Polkadots and Moonbeams Heart The Little Boy Swingin' On A Star Rock-a-Bye Baby I Love To Hear That Old Barbershop Style Dream The Best Man Pal of My Dreams Orange Colored Sky I Know A Little Bit / I Don't Know Why The Lord's Prayer Operator |
The four Slamkas (brothers Mark and Mike, Dad Jack and cousin
Don) have done right on this one. With ineffable musical taste, they have selected
fabulous songs, such as "Polkadots and Moonbeams," "Heart" and "Swingin' On
A Star," and arranged them with creativity and consummate finesse. Their "Orange
Colored Sky" (arranged by Tom Gentry), is an exquisite balance of restraint
and flash, as is "Operator," where they exploit the gospel flavor, while remaining
within the barbershop boilerplate. Power Play (formed in 1988) has that extra
special magic in their blend, that fortuitous combination of luck and genes,
that gives their sound both sparkle and a smooth finish.
| 5712 CD $14.98 |
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I'm
Gonna Live Till I Die The Moment I Saw Your Eyes Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends Anytime Joshua Stars Fell On Alabama Through The Years Blackeyed Susan Brown I Miss Mother Most Of All The Best Times I Ever Had Everytime I Feel The Spirit |
A "power play" is a hockey term, denoting impact, requiring teamwork, and resulting in an advantage. The first CD, recorded in 1992, by this Michigan quartet certainly embodies these qualities! Ranking as high as seventh in competition, their sound is a pleasure indeed, beginning with the superior tone of lead Michael Slamka. Though a fine ensemble singer, his velvety timbre has a personality that is quite an asset - heard best on "Anytime." This sonority translates across the spectrum, resulting in a mix that is bright, warm and deep. The opening measures of "Stars Fell On Alabama" (arranged by John Bober), are thick like syrup! "The Moment I Saw Your Eyes," "Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends" and "Through The Years" are particularly fine arrangements - plenty of variety, but never sacrificing the integrity of the harmonic structure. Good stuff.
Listen to "The Best Times I Ever Had" in Real Audio
| 5711 CD $14.98 |
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