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.

Songlist: 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

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.

Songlist: 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, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit

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!

Songlist: 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'