TPM review by Chuck Stastny, MM
host of Chuck Stastny's Top 10 Polkacountdown (sm)
on the web--http://www.polkacountdown.com
Toledo Polkamotion has hit! Toledo Polkamotion, better known as TPM, has always been on the cutting edge in music. Changes have taken place in the last couple of years within the band. With change comes much added versatility to TPM. With the addition of former Dynabrass leader Jeff Mleczko and Eddie Siwiec, a former member of Grammy nominated Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones and Prime Drive, several new "musical colors" have been added to the ensemble TPM. While listening to the brand new CD-"No Illusion", I notice that this band is loaded with talent. This is by far their best effort to date captured on compact disc. First of all, take into consideration that the male voice does not fully mature until the ages of 28-35, Ted Lange, the "young guy", has made strides since his debut performance with TPM(see album-"Blackjack"). In addition, Jeff Mleczko and Eddie Siwiec add 2 unique vocal timbres. The clarinet, the trumpet, the sax, the sweet waltzes, the accordions of Michael Tylinski(a "MR" musician) and Ted Lange all help to add to a great effort on this CD. There is some "modified" progressive honky sounds in addition to hot push style.
My first impression while listening to cut #1 of the CD-"This band is in a groove" or "Feel The Motion of Polkamotion". Cut #1 is a Jeff Mleczko original entitled This Time There's No Illusion. Jeff Mleczko was the leader of the super tight Dynabrass. With his presence in TPM, you not only gain a strong trumpet, but a fine voice with a unique quality. I also enjoy Jeff Mleczko's The Last Waltz of the Evening. This song presents a different sounding band with a smooth clarinet intro(go Ed, go). A "laid back" feel that makes me want to waltz. Nice piano background too. This song might even have some "crossover" potential. Nice flugel horn solo by Mr. Mleczko as well. Another comment that goes for this entire CD is that the bass is felt and not as pronounced as on former recordings. I like the bass to be felt and not too far "out front" in the mix.
Several cover songs are also included on this CD including a Beetles remake - When I Saw Her Standing There. There is a nice contemporary introduction with Ted Lange adding "just the right" vocal. This song should move you and is fun! Add the sax solo by Eddie Siwiec and the funky drum pattern with Joe Zalewski on the skins and you have a hot song. Remaining in the contemporary vain, Ted Lange sings Show Me The Way. People wanting some "new age" polka sound, here is the CD with 2 super forward thinking songs.
I did not have to look to realize that Michael Tylinski penned "I Wanna Spend My Life With You". Michael Tylinski, in addition to Joe Zalewski, have been key figures in the Polkamotion machine since the beginning. Mr. Tylinski is very talented and has the knowledge to put together many creative accordion licks in addition to fine bass lines for TPM. On this original you hear Michael sing in his distinctive voice with a thoughtful message. This song may well be one of "The Hits" from this TPM release.
Berkley School of Music graduate Stephen Kaminski contributed a song written for his finance Miss United States Polka Association(USPA) Lynn Grabowski. Stephen Kaminski released his very own project earlier this year on Sunshine with several guests-"Be Yourself". Save The Waltzes For Me is dedicated to Miss USPA-Lynn Grabowski. Nice message and Stephen Kaminski needs to continue writing music. HE'S GOT IT!! From the song "How I'd Love to Waltz with My Lady…"
Other Highlights include Ted Lange's original Wait and See, a Jimmy Weber and The Sounds remake-Think of Me. I think this CD is well worth your time and should be in your collection. Toledo Polkamotion continue on! I can't wait to "Feel the Motion" "live in person" with "No Illusion"!!
"No Illusion" by Toledo Polkamotion, SNCD-172, from the Sunshine Label is available on CD and Cassette.
