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"Touch
This" Album marked the beginning of Jerry Darlak & The
Buffalo Touch Band. On this introductory album, the band records
original tunes along with a few classic songs paying tribute to
Polka greats like Marion Lush and the Ampol Aires. These veteran
musicians create magic with a new style and sound all their own.
In
the chart at the bottom of page, hear a taste of the songs from
this album as Jerry Darlak and The Buffalo Touch add their own
spin to some classic songs along with their fastastic original
tunes!
The
Opening Theme Polka was written by Jerry Darlak and originally
recorded by Marion Lush in 1965, for the album "An Evening
with Lush." As a tribute to Marion ( Jerry's "buddy
and mentor"), The Touch always open a dance with this song.
It is their way of keeping the tradition alive.
Na
Zdrowie Polka is Another Marion Lush tune sung by Ken Machelski,
who is so much like Marion in character as well as voice-- that
the band nicknamed him Maniu (Marion in Polish). This was always
Lush's first song when he played, and to this day The Touch plays
it as their second song -- again, in honor of Marion Lush.
Only
You Polka was originally recorded in the 1960's by The Goral
Boys from Buffalo, which included The Touch's own Ken Machelski
and Steve Michaels. It was such a hit then that the Buffalo Touch
decided to re-release this song.
Crying
Eyes Waltz was originally recorded for Marion Lush's "Mickey
Mouse" Album--Jerry played drums when this song became a
big hit. It has always been one of Jerry's favorites songs because
of its beautiful orchestration. The main inspiration behind The
Touch recording this tune is Ken Machelski's voice sounding almost
identical to Marion-- the "Golden Voice."
High
Bounce Polka is another of Marion Lush's finest instrumental
recordings. Jerry and The Touch felt that this upbeat polka would
be a welcomed addition to this album.
Date
Night Polka and Why Are You Hiding Polka are two songs originally
recorded by the Naturales, one of Chicago's outstanding polka
bands in the 1960s. The leader, Don Lucki, and vocalist, Whitey
Pavola, are Jerry's very good friends, and he included these songs
on The Touch's album in their honor.
C'Mon
Back Polka is an original of Jerry Darlak and The Buffalo
Touch written by Ray Barsukiewicz-- the band's trumpet, clarinet,
saxophone player and vocalist. The Polka field is not as active
as it was 20 years ago and this song is written 'to excite people
and get 'em back dancin'. The Touch wants to see 1,000 people
a night at small church dances-- like the "good Ole days."
Jerry and the band members would love to see more children interested
in polka music-- the way they were as kids.
Delrio
Drive was written originally by Vern Meisner of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Jerry has wanted to record this song since his days
with Eddie Blazoncyk's Versatones, but it was always "put
on the back burner" because of hit after hit songs like My
Mary Lou, Polka Hero, and Polka Celebration. When Jerry formed
the Touch, this was one of the first songs they decided to record,
especially after returning from Arizona, where on many nights
they had to play the song two times in a row . In this tune, you
can easily see Jerry's love for the Mexican culture; he describes
this style as "half Polka and half Mariachi."
Measure
My Love Waltz is another Goral Boys hit, which was such a
success that they put it on both the "A Album" and the
"Blue Album." This release, now 30 years later and still
a big hit, includes vocals by original Goral Boys, Steve Michaels
on lead and Ken Machelski on harmony.
Circus
Polka is an Ampol Aires tune recorded by The Touch in tribute
to Eddie Zima, who formed the band and originally recorded this
song. Anyone who knows Jerry knows that the Ampol Aires was his
"all-time favorite polka band and Circus is his all-time
favorite song by them."
Touch
Polka is an original Touch tune written by Ray Barsukiewicz.
This tune introduces everyone in the band as they play brief solos.
What a wealth of talent and a delight to hear!
Fallin'
In Love Polka is an old Jimmy Rogers tune reintroduced as
Jerry puts it--as a "country-flavored polka". A great
polka song with a "little bit o country".
Good
Night My Friends Waltz is another Touch original, written
by talented Ray Barsukiewicz and Jerry Darlak, who were inspired
to write this song while " hanging out with the boys."
One of them gets a few notes in his head, they roll with it and
it turns out sounding great! This song serves as a great ending
song in this album and is also their ending song in all their
performances.
