(Smooth Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz Blues / Guitar) Melvin Sparks - Discography (1970-2017) 11CD [MP3.320kbps.CBR]
![(Smooth Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz Blues / Guitar) Melvin Sparks - Discography (1970-2017) 11CD [MP3.320kbps.CBR]](/upload/000/u2/ca/12/guitar-melvin-sparks.jpg "(Smooth Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz Blues / Guitar) Melvin Sparks - Discography (1970-2017) 11CD [MP3.320kbps.CBR]")
Треклист:
MELVIN SPARKS Maxi Discography :: 1970-2017 :: 11CD из 12CD Genre: Smooth Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz Blues / Guitar
Country: USA
Format: MP3, 320 kbps, CBR, Lame 3.98 from Lossless (за исключением указанных особо)
Melvin Sparks (Мелвин Спаркс) - американский soul jazz, hard bop и jazz blues гитарист. Наиболее активно выступал в 60-е и 70-е годы. Создатель таких направлений как Soul Jazz, старой школы Acid Jazz и Funk Jazz. Спаркс родился в 1946 году и вырос в музыкальной семье. Свою первую гитару он взял в руки в возрасте 11 лет. Начал играть в жанре ритм-энд-блюз еще будучи учеником средней школы. Переехал в Нью-Йорк и работал в качестве сессионного музыканта для компаний 'Blue Note' и 'Prestige Records'. Выпустил 11 альбомов как сольный исполнитель (свой дебютный альбом 'Sparks!'(Искры!) записал в 1970 году), а также в составе своей группы. В более поздний период записывался на лейбле 'Savant Records'. Принимал участие в записи более 100 альбомов (записывался с Lou Donaldson, Charles Earland, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer, Johnny Hammond Smith и другими). Можно утверждать, что именно в это время Спаркс определил звук джаз-гитары всего поколения. Спаркс до сих пор вызывает восхищение у многих артистов и слушателей. Спаркс умер 15 марта 2011 года, в возрасте 64 лет, в своем доме в Маунт-Верноне, в Нью-Йорке.
Официальный сайт: http://www.melvinsparks.com
Источники: Основу коллекции составляют альбомы в формате lossless и переконвертированные в формат MP3 (постоянный битрейт CBR , кодек Lame 3.98 ). Остальные выкладываются по принципу "как есть". Во всех файлах прописаны теги и covers, к некоторым альбомам имеется полный набор "ковриков". Готов принять любую помощь в пополнении и обновлении дискографии.
ВНИМАНИЕ: Обратите внимание, что альбомов, отмеченных как В ПОИСКЕ в раздаче ПОКА нет.
Время раздачи: ± 24/7 (практически круглосуточно)…
Country: USA
Format: MP3, 320 kbps, CBR, Lame 3.98 from Lossless (за исключением указанных особо)
Melvin Sparks (Мелвин Спаркс) - американский soul jazz, hard bop и jazz blues гитарист. Наиболее активно выступал в 60-е и 70-е годы. Создатель таких направлений как Soul Jazz, старой школы Acid Jazz и Funk Jazz. Спаркс родился в 1946 году и вырос в музыкальной семье. Свою первую гитару он взял в руки в возрасте 11 лет. Начал играть в жанре ритм-энд-блюз еще будучи учеником средней школы. Переехал в Нью-Йорк и работал в качестве сессионного музыканта для компаний 'Blue Note' и 'Prestige Records'. Выпустил 11 альбомов как сольный исполнитель (свой дебютный альбом 'Sparks!'(Искры!) записал в 1970 году), а также в составе своей группы. В более поздний период записывался на лейбле 'Savant Records'. Принимал участие в записи более 100 альбомов (записывался с Lou Donaldson, Charles Earland, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer, Johnny Hammond Smith и другими). Можно утверждать, что именно в это время Спаркс определил звук джаз-гитары всего поколения. Спаркс до сих пор вызывает восхищение у многих артистов и слушателей. Спаркс умер 15 марта 2011 года, в возрасте 64 лет, в своем доме в Маунт-Верноне, в Нью-Йорке.
Официальный сайт: http://www.melvinsparks.com
Д И С К О Г Р А Ф И Я
Melvin Sparks - 1970 - Sparks! [CD'1993 UK BGP 2in1]
Original Release: 1970 Prestige (UK) [#P1000] LP (September 14, 1970)
Audio CD Release: 1993 BGP Records (UK) [#CDBGPD 064] 2in1
Total Playtime: 00:39:05
01. [08:11] Thank You for Letting Me
02. [06:39] I Didn't Know what Time It Was
03. [05:56] Charlie Brown
04. [07:02] The Stinker
05. [11:14] Spill the Wine
Audio CD Release: 1993 BGP Records (UK) [#CDBGPD 064] 2in1
Total Playtime: 00:39:05
01. [08:11] Thank You for Letting Me
02. [06:39] I Didn't Know what Time It Was
03. [05:56] Charlie Brown
04. [07:02] The Stinker
05. [11:14] Spill the Wine
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Tenor Saxophone – Houston Person (tracks #4)
- Tenor Saxophone – John Manning (tracks #1,2,3,5)
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Organ – Leon Spencer Jr.
- Trumpet – Virgil Jones
Credits:
- Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
- Supervised By – Bob Porter
AMG Review
Sparks! is a solid soul-jazz outing that looks to commercial material for the bulk of the set, but doesn't unduly compromise itself in a pop direction. Sparks was one of the bluesiest soul-jazz guitarists, and his tart tone shares space here with deep grooves from Leon Spencer on organ. The brass, handled by Virgil Jones (trumpet) Houston Person (tenor sax), and John Manning (tenor sax), is usually secondary to the guitar-organ riffs. Sparks remakes Sly Stone's "Thank You," and the Coasters' "Charlie Brown," and Eric Burdon & War's "Spill the Wine" as lengthy instrumentals -- commercial choices, to be sure, but executed with relaxed grit. Rounding out the program is a Rodgers-Hart cover and a Leon Spencer original. BGP's reissue also includes Sparks' 1973 effort Akilah.
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Tenor Saxophone – Houston Person (tracks #4)
- Tenor Saxophone – John Manning (tracks #1,2,3,5)
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Organ – Leon Spencer Jr.
- Trumpet – Virgil Jones
Credits:
- Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
- Supervised By – Bob Porter
AMG Review
Sparks! is a solid soul-jazz outing that looks to commercial material for the bulk of the set, but doesn't unduly compromise itself in a pop direction. Sparks was one of the bluesiest soul-jazz guitarists, and his tart tone shares space here with deep grooves from Leon Spencer on organ. The brass, handled by Virgil Jones (trumpet) Houston Person (tenor sax), and John Manning (tenor sax), is usually secondary to the guitar-organ riffs. Sparks remakes Sly Stone's "Thank You," and the Coasters' "Charlie Brown," and Eric Burdon & War's "Spill the Wine" as lengthy instrumentals -- commercial choices, to be sure, but executed with relaxed grit. Rounding out the program is a Rodgers-Hart cover and a Leon Spencer original. BGP's reissue also includes Sparks' 1973 effort Akilah.
Melvin Sparks - 1971 - Spark Plug [CD'1996 USA Prestige 2in1]
Original Release: 1971 Prestige Records (UK) [#P10016] LP (March 8, 1971)
Audio CD Release: 1996 Prestige Records (USA) 2in1
Total Playtime: 00:29:20
01. [09:05] Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
02. [08:50] Spark Plug
03. [08:05] Conjunction Mars
04. [04:14] Alone Together
05. [06:45] Dig Dis
Audio CD Release: 1996 Prestige Records (USA) 2in1
Total Playtime: 00:29:20
01. [09:05] Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
02. [08:50] Spark Plug
03. [08:05] Conjunction Mars
04. [04:14] Alone Together
05. [06:45] Dig Dis
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Organ – Leon Spencer Jr. (tracks #1), Reggie Roberts (tracks #2,3,4,5)
- Tenor Saxophone – Grover Washington Jr.
- Trumpet – Virgil Jones
Credits:
- Artwork [Cover] – Tony Lane
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Producer – Bob Porter
- Liner Notes – Tom Curry
Review: by AllMusic
Sparks used a similar soul-jazz approach as he had on his previous Prestige session (Sparks!), revamping the lineup to put Reggie Roberts on organ and a young Grover Washington, Jr. on tenor sax (Idris Muhammad remained behind the drums). He also introduced some compositions of his own this time around; three of the five numbers are Sparks originals. It's more relaxed, funky, occasionally bluesy jazz with guitar and organ to the fore, very much of a piece with the Prestige soul-jazz "house" sound circa 1970. Pleasant fare, although it does tend to fade into suitable background music instead of attracting attention or intense scrutiny. The entire album is available on the Legends of Acid Jazz CD reissue, which also includes everything from Sparks!.
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Organ – Leon Spencer Jr. (tracks #1), Reggie Roberts (tracks #2,3,4,5)
- Tenor Saxophone – Grover Washington Jr.
- Trumpet – Virgil Jones
Credits:
- Artwork [Cover] – Tony Lane
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Producer – Bob Porter
- Liner Notes – Tom Curry
Review: by AllMusic
Sparks used a similar soul-jazz approach as he had on his previous Prestige session (Sparks!), revamping the lineup to put Reggie Roberts on organ and a young Grover Washington, Jr. on tenor sax (Idris Muhammad remained behind the drums). He also introduced some compositions of his own this time around; three of the five numbers are Sparks originals. It's more relaxed, funky, occasionally bluesy jazz with guitar and organ to the fore, very much of a piece with the Prestige soul-jazz "house" sound circa 1970. Pleasant fare, although it does tend to fade into suitable background music instead of attracting attention or intense scrutiny. The entire album is available on the Legends of Acid Jazz CD reissue, which also includes everything from Sparks!.
Melvin Sparks - 1972 - Akilah! [CD'1993 UK BGP 2in1]
Original Release: 1972 Prestige (UK) [#P10039] LP (February, 1973)
Audio CD Release: 1993 BGP Records (UK) [#CDBGPD 064] 2in1 (January 25, 1993)
Total Playtime: 00:35:06
01. [05:39] Love the Life You Live
02. [06:00] On the Up
03. [04:45] All Wrapped Up
04. [04:42] Akilah
05. [07:09] Blues for J.B.
06. [06:49] The Image of Love
Audio CD Release: 1993 BGP Records (UK) [#CDBGPD 064] 2in1 (January 25, 1993)
Total Playtime: 00:35:06
01. [05:39] Love the Life You Live
02. [06:00] On the Up
03. [04:45] All Wrapped Up
04. [04:42] Akilah
05. [07:09] Blues for J.B.
06. [06:49] The Image of Love
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Flute – Dave Hubbard, Hubert Laws (tracks #6)
- Organ, Piano – Leon Spencer
- Percussion – Buddy Caldwell
- Saxophone [Alto] – George Coleman (tracks #4), Sonny Fortune (tracks #1,2,4,5)
- Saxophone [Tenor] – Dave Hubbard (tracks #3), Frank Wess (tracks #1,2,4)
- Trumpet – Ernie Royal (tracks #4), Virgil Jones (tracks #1,2,4)
Credits:
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Orchestrated – Billy Ver Planck
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Flute – Dave Hubbard, Hubert Laws (tracks #6)
- Organ, Piano – Leon Spencer
- Percussion – Buddy Caldwell
- Saxophone [Alto] – George Coleman (tracks #4), Sonny Fortune (tracks #1,2,4,5)
- Saxophone [Tenor] – Dave Hubbard (tracks #3), Frank Wess (tracks #1,2,4)
- Trumpet – Ernie Royal (tracks #4), Virgil Jones (tracks #1,2,4)
Credits:
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Orchestrated – Billy Ver Planck
Melvin Sparks - 1973 - Texas Twister [CD'1995 UK Ace 2in1]
Original Release: 1973 Eastbound Records [#EB9006]
Audio CD Release: 1995 Ace Records Ltd. (UK) 2in1 [CDBGPD092]
Total Playtime: 00:37:12
01. [04:01] Whip! Whop!
02. [09:22] Gathering Together
03. [04:30] Judy’s Groove
04. [06:09] Texas Twister
05. [03:33] Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got)
06. [04:16] I Want to Talk about You
07. [05:23] Star in the Crescent
Audio CD Release: 1995 Ace Records Ltd. (UK) 2in1 [CDBGPD092]
Total Playtime: 00:37:12
01. [04:01] Whip! Whop!
02. [09:22] Gathering Together
03. [04:30] Judy’s Groove
04. [06:09] Texas Twister
05. [03:33] Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got)
06. [04:16] I Want to Talk about You
07. [05:23] Star in the Crescent
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Guitar, Arranged By, Conductor – Melvin Sparks
- Baritone Saxophone – Edward Xiques (tracks #1,3,5)
- Congas – Buddy Caldwell (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Coordinator – Mia Krinsky
- Drums – Idris Muhammad (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Electric Bass – Wilbur Bascomb (tracks #1,3,5)
- Electric Piano – Sonny Phillips (tracks #1,3,5)
- Engineer – Malcolm Addey
- Guitar – Ron Miller (tracks #1,5)
- Organ – Ceasar Frazier (tracks #2,3,7)
- Organ – Sonny Phillips (tracks #6)
- Tenor Saxophone – Ron Bridgewater (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater (tracks #1,3,5), Jon Faddis (tracks #1,3,5)
- Flugelhorn – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis (tracks #5)
- Drums – Jesse Kilpatrick Jr. (tracks #6)
All guitar solos by Melvin Sparks. Melvin Sparks plays a Guild Guitar with the Tri-Oct attachment.
Credits:
- Photography, Art Direction – Neil Terk
- Producer – Bob Porter
- Supervised By – Bob Scerbo
Review: by Richie Unterberger
Like many soul-jazz musicians, Melvin Sparks moved into funkier directions as the mid-'70s approached, whether out of pressure from marketing trends, a desire to explore that area, or both. As such efforts go, Texas Twister is a decent one, though not innovative or tremendously exciting. Working as the leader of three different configurations of musicians varying in size from a trio to a ten-piece, Sparks wrote about half of the material and took all the guitar solos, though Ron Miller also played guitar on three tracks. The cuts with the larger band tend to be the funkiest, the group playing with real pluck on "Whip! Whop!" But elsewhere, they lean toward a more straight-ahead soul-jazz direction, with "Judy's Groove" setting a nice swinging, walking beat. "Star in the Crescent" is an effortless throwback to the classic, more bop-driven '60s soul-jazz style, Sparks peeling off some fluid lightning riffs and giving plenty of space to Idris Muhammad's drums and Caesar Frazer's skittering organ. Texas Twister was combined with the 1975 LP '75 on a single-disc CD reissue.
- Guitar, Arranged By, Conductor – Melvin Sparks
- Baritone Saxophone – Edward Xiques (tracks #1,3,5)
- Congas – Buddy Caldwell (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Coordinator – Mia Krinsky
- Drums – Idris Muhammad (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Electric Bass – Wilbur Bascomb (tracks #1,3,5)
- Electric Piano – Sonny Phillips (tracks #1,3,5)
- Engineer – Malcolm Addey
- Guitar – Ron Miller (tracks #1,5)
- Organ – Ceasar Frazier (tracks #2,3,7)
- Organ – Sonny Phillips (tracks #6)
- Tenor Saxophone – Ron Bridgewater (tracks #1,2,3,4,5,7)
- Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater (tracks #1,3,5), Jon Faddis (tracks #1,3,5)
- Flugelhorn – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis (tracks #5)
- Drums – Jesse Kilpatrick Jr. (tracks #6)
All guitar solos by Melvin Sparks. Melvin Sparks plays a Guild Guitar with the Tri-Oct attachment.
Credits:
- Photography, Art Direction – Neil Terk
- Producer – Bob Porter
- Supervised By – Bob Scerbo
Review: by Richie Unterberger
Like many soul-jazz musicians, Melvin Sparks moved into funkier directions as the mid-'70s approached, whether out of pressure from marketing trends, a desire to explore that area, or both. As such efforts go, Texas Twister is a decent one, though not innovative or tremendously exciting. Working as the leader of three different configurations of musicians varying in size from a trio to a ten-piece, Sparks wrote about half of the material and took all the guitar solos, though Ron Miller also played guitar on three tracks. The cuts with the larger band tend to be the funkiest, the group playing with real pluck on "Whip! Whop!" But elsewhere, they lean toward a more straight-ahead soul-jazz direction, with "Judy's Groove" setting a nice swinging, walking beat. "Star in the Crescent" is an effortless throwback to the classic, more bop-driven '60s soul-jazz style, Sparks peeling off some fluid lightning riffs and giving plenty of space to Idris Muhammad's drums and Caesar Frazer's skittering organ. Texas Twister was combined with the 1975 LP '75 on a single-disc CD reissue.
Melvin Sparks - 1975 - '75 [CD'1995 UK Ace 2in1]
Original Release: 1975 Westbound Records [#W-204]
Audio CD Release: 1995 Ace Records Ltd. (UK) 2in1 [CDBGPD092]
Total Playtime: 00:28:59
01. [02:56] I’ve Got to Have You [feat. Jimmy Scott]
02. [03:06] Mockingbird
03. [03:00] Looking for a Love
04. [04:33] Get Ya Some
05. [03:24] Get Down with the Get Down
06. [03:55] Bump & Stomp
07. [03:59] In the Morning
08. [03:57] If You Want My Love [feat. Jimmy Scott]
Audio CD Release: 1995 Ace Records Ltd. (UK) 2in1 [CDBGPD092]
Total Playtime: 00:28:59
01. [02:56] I’ve Got to Have You [feat. Jimmy Scott]
02. [03:06] Mockingbird
03. [03:00] Looking for a Love
04. [04:33] Get Ya Some
05. [03:24] Get Down with the Get Down
06. [03:55] Bump & Stomp
07. [03:59] In the Morning
08. [03:57] If You Want My Love [feat. Jimmy Scott]
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Melvin Sparks (guitar)
- Ron Bridgewater (tenor saxophone)
- Caeser Frazier (organ)
- Idris Muhammad (drums)
- Jimmy Scott - Vocal [tracks #1,8]
Credits:
- Arranged By – Ed Nuccilli, Jimmy Roach
- Engineer – Ken Sands
- Producer – Bernie Mendelson, Melvin Sparks
Review: by Richie Unterberger
While Melvin Sparks' earlier Eastbound album (1973's Texas Twister) had been a respectable mix of straight-ahead soul-jazz and soul-jazz with a funk edge, '75 sounds like a much more determined effort to get into the commercial funk-jazz mainstream. Unsurprisingly, as a consequence the music suffered, coming across as bland jazzy, largely instrumental mid-'70s soul-funk. A couple of tracks even go to the extent of including vocals by Jimmy Scott (not the same guy, from the sound of things, as the cult jazz singer Little Jimmy Scott), though neither he nor the songs are anything special. As further concessions toward commerciality, there are covers of the '60s soul hit "Mockingbird" and the '70s soul smash "Looking for a Love," along with some horn arrangements hinting at a background soundtrack ambience. Sparks does play all the guitar solos, but otherwise little of the identity he'd established with his prior soul-jazz releases comes through on this set of fairly languid, anonymous instrumentals.
- Melvin Sparks (guitar)
- Ron Bridgewater (tenor saxophone)
- Caeser Frazier (organ)
- Idris Muhammad (drums)
- Jimmy Scott - Vocal [tracks #1,8]
Credits:
- Arranged By – Ed Nuccilli, Jimmy Roach
- Engineer – Ken Sands
- Producer – Bernie Mendelson, Melvin Sparks
Review: by Richie Unterberger
While Melvin Sparks' earlier Eastbound album (1973's Texas Twister) had been a respectable mix of straight-ahead soul-jazz and soul-jazz with a funk edge, '75 sounds like a much more determined effort to get into the commercial funk-jazz mainstream. Unsurprisingly, as a consequence the music suffered, coming across as bland jazzy, largely instrumental mid-'70s soul-funk. A couple of tracks even go to the extent of including vocals by Jimmy Scott (not the same guy, from the sound of things, as the cult jazz singer Little Jimmy Scott), though neither he nor the songs are anything special. As further concessions toward commerciality, there are covers of the '60s soul hit "Mockingbird" and the '70s soul smash "Looking for a Love," along with some horn arrangements hinting at a background soundtrack ambience. Sparks does play all the guitar solos, but otherwise little of the identity he'd established with his prior soul-jazz releases comes through on this set of fairly languid, anonymous instrumentals.
Melvin Sparks - 1982 - Sparkling [CD' USA Muse] ::: В ПОИСКЕ
Original Release: 1982 Muse Records (USA) [#MR5248] LP
Audio CD Release: ==
Total Playtime: 00:43:11
01. [08:57] Misty
02. [11:23] Hassan
03. [05:40] Speak Low
04. [10:13] I am Your Love Song
05. [03:58] A Bolt of Lightning
В ПОИСКЕ
Audio CD Release: ==
Total Playtime: 00:43:11
01. [08:57] Misty
02. [11:23] Hassan
03. [05:40] Speak Low
04. [10:13] I am Your Love Song
05. [03:58] A Bolt of Lightning
В ПОИСКЕ
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Bass – Buster Williams
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Piano – Neal Creque
Credits:
- Design – W. Dale Cramer
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Photography By – Bob Shamis
- Producer – Houston Person
- Bass – Buster Williams
- Drums – Idris Muhammad
- Piano – Neal Creque
Credits:
- Design – W. Dale Cramer
- Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
- Photography By – Bob Shamis
- Producer – Houston Person
Melvin Sparks - 1997 - I'm a 'Gittar' Player [CD' USA Cannonball]
Original Release: 1997 Cannonball Records (USA) (September 30, 1997)
Audio CD Release: 1997 Cannonball Records [#CDB 27101]
Total Playtime: 00:46:48
01. [7:08] Mr. Texan
02. [5:15] Balcony
03. [6:29] Jiggy
04. [5:28] Boogie Street
05. [5:36] I'm a 'Gittar' Player
06. [5:36] Sparkling
07. [4:20] Taste the Flavor
08. [4:33] All Day, All Night
09. [4:23] Get Down Tonite
Audio CD Release: 1997 Cannonball Records [#CDB 27101]
Total Playtime: 00:46:48
01. [7:08] Mr. Texan
02. [5:15] Balcony
03. [6:29] Jiggy
04. [5:28] Boogie Street
05. [5:36] I'm a 'Gittar' Player
06. [5:36] Sparkling
07. [4:20] Taste the Flavor
08. [4:33] All Day, All Night
09. [4:23] Get Down Tonite
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Credits:
- Harry Wayne "K.C." Casey, Richard Finch, Hassan - Composer
- Melvin Sparks - Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist
Review: by Alex Henderson
Although he appeared on countless R&B and soul-jazz sessions in the 1960s and early 1970s, Melvin Sparks has recorded only sporadically as a leader over the years. The late 1990s found the swinging, Grant Green-influenced guitarist recording for the Minneapolis-based Cannonball label and playing much the same type of groove-oriented organ-combo music he'd been embracing 25 and 30 years earlier. Recalling his work with Charles Earland, I'm a 'Gittar' Player employs Ron Levy on the Hammond B-3 and offers a very accessible fusion of jazz, R&B, blues and pop that often sounds like it could have been recorded in 1970. The only thing letting you know that this decent, enjoyable CD wasn't recorded back then is some Salt-N-Pepa-ish rapping that Sparks' daughters Ayisha and Idrissa provide on a remake of KC & the Sunshine Band's "Get Down Tonight." Otherwise, a retro outlook prevails. From the Latin-influenced "Jiggy" (which bears a definite resemblance to War's 1970 hit "Spill the Wine") to congenial numbers like "Sparkling," "Taste the Flavor" and "Mr. Texas," I'm a 'Gittar' Player demonstrates that jazz can have commercial appeal and pop leanings without sacrificing the type of spontaneity and blues feeling that make it jazz in the first place.
- Harry Wayne "K.C." Casey, Richard Finch, Hassan - Composer
- Melvin Sparks - Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist
Review: by Alex Henderson
Although he appeared on countless R&B and soul-jazz sessions in the 1960s and early 1970s, Melvin Sparks has recorded only sporadically as a leader over the years. The late 1990s found the swinging, Grant Green-influenced guitarist recording for the Minneapolis-based Cannonball label and playing much the same type of groove-oriented organ-combo music he'd been embracing 25 and 30 years earlier. Recalling his work with Charles Earland, I'm a 'Gittar' Player employs Ron Levy on the Hammond B-3 and offers a very accessible fusion of jazz, R&B, blues and pop that often sounds like it could have been recorded in 1970. The only thing letting you know that this decent, enjoyable CD wasn't recorded back then is some Salt-N-Pepa-ish rapping that Sparks' daughters Ayisha and Idrissa provide on a remake of KC & the Sunshine Band's "Get Down Tonight." Otherwise, a retro outlook prevails. From the Latin-influenced "Jiggy" (which bears a definite resemblance to War's 1970 hit "Spill the Wine") to congenial numbers like "Sparkling," "Taste the Flavor" and "Mr. Texas," I'm a 'Gittar' Player demonstrates that jazz can have commercial appeal and pop leanings without sacrificing the type of spontaneity and blues feeling that make it jazz in the first place.
Melvin Sparks - 2002 - What You Hear is What You Get [CD' USA Savant] ::: CBR.320.FhG
Original Release: 2002 Savant Records (USA) (April 22, 2003)
Audio CD Release: 2002 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2049]
Total Playtime: 00:57:29
01. [05:43] Another Joe
02. [06:29] What You Hear Is what You Get
03. [05:59] The Governor
04. [06:19] Funky Good Time
05. [05:56] Turnin' Point
06. [06:32] Matter of Time
07. [06:50] Get N' It
08. [06:44] Money (That's what I Want)
09. [06:53] Breeze
Audio CD Release: 2002 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2049]
Total Playtime: 00:57:29
01. [05:43] Another Joe
02. [06:29] What You Hear Is what You Get
03. [05:59] The Governor
04. [06:19] Funky Good Time
05. [05:56] Turnin' Point
06. [06:32] Matter of Time
07. [06:50] Get N' It
08. [06:44] Money (That's what I Want)
09. [06:53] Breeze
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Melvin Sparks Band:
- Melvin Sparks - vocals, guitar, bass
- Joe "Herbie J." Hrbek - alto saxophone
- George Papageorge - Hammond b-3 organ
- Tim Luntzel - acoustic & electric basses
- Carter McLean - drums
Additional personnel:
- Topaz - tenor saxophone
- Reuben Wilson - Hammond b-3 organ (tracks #6,7)
Credits:
- Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, New Jersey on December 3-5, 2001
Review: by Jesse Jarnow
What You Hear Is What You Get, guitarist Melvin Sparks' first session as a bandleader since 1997's I'm a Gittar Player, finds the guitarist in fine form, showing off his soul-jazz licks with funky aplomb. Since the release of I'm a Gittar Player, Sparks' native style underwent a huge renaissance, especially in New York City. John Scofield's sessions with Medeski, Martin & Wood, Soulive's recordings, and a variety of New York club acts helped find a new audience for the form. From these ranks, Sparks draws Topaz, a saxophone player (and leader of an eponymous unit) who blows on three cuts, including "The Governor," "Funky Good Time," and "Money." Also joining Sparks' quintet for a trio of tracks is his old friend, organist Reuben Wilson. The music is restrained and tasteful throughout. Sparks' playing is crisp and spot-on, though it rarely ventures into experimental territory. If Sparks comes across as hopelessly lodged in the past during some moments, it more often feels like, simply, he never went away.
- Melvin Sparks - vocals, guitar, bass
- Joe "Herbie J." Hrbek - alto saxophone
- George Papageorge - Hammond b-3 organ
- Tim Luntzel - acoustic & electric basses
- Carter McLean - drums
Additional personnel:
- Topaz - tenor saxophone
- Reuben Wilson - Hammond b-3 organ (tracks #6,7)
Credits:
- Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, New Jersey on December 3-5, 2001
Review: by Jesse Jarnow
What You Hear Is What You Get, guitarist Melvin Sparks' first session as a bandleader since 1997's I'm a Gittar Player, finds the guitarist in fine form, showing off his soul-jazz licks with funky aplomb. Since the release of I'm a Gittar Player, Sparks' native style underwent a huge renaissance, especially in New York City. John Scofield's sessions with Medeski, Martin & Wood, Soulive's recordings, and a variety of New York club acts helped find a new audience for the form. From these ranks, Sparks draws Topaz, a saxophone player (and leader of an eponymous unit) who blows on three cuts, including "The Governor," "Funky Good Time," and "Money." Also joining Sparks' quintet for a trio of tracks is his old friend, organist Reuben Wilson. The music is restrained and tasteful throughout. Sparks' playing is crisp and spot-on, though it rarely ventures into experimental territory. If Sparks comes across as hopelessly lodged in the past during some moments, it more often feels like, simply, he never went away.
Melvin Sparks - 2004 - It Is What It Is [CD' USA Savant]
Original Release: 2004 Savant Records (USA) (June 8, 2004)
Audio CD Release: 2004 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2057]
Total Playtime: 00:51:21
01. [05:40] It Is what It Is
02. [07:08] Thank You
03. [05:46] Charlie Brown
04. [03:21] A Love Jam
05. [06:18] Clinton Park
06. [07:32] Guitar Playah
07. [04:16] Got the Blues?
08. [05:45] Pick Up the Pieces
09. [05:35] Give Me the Night
Audio CD Release: 2004 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2057]
Total Playtime: 00:51:21
01. [05:40] It Is what It Is
02. [07:08] Thank You
03. [05:46] Charlie Brown
04. [03:21] A Love Jam
05. [06:18] Clinton Park
06. [07:32] Guitar Playah
07. [04:16] Got the Blues?
08. [05:45] Pick Up the Pieces
09. [05:35] Give Me the Night
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Melvin Sparks (guitar)
- Joe Herbeck, Cochemea Gastalim (saxophone)
- Jeremy Baum, Adam Scone (organ)
- Eric Kalb (drums)
Credits:
- N. Armstrong, R. Eli Ball, Malcolm Duncan, Alan Gorrie, Jerry Leiber, Robbie McIntosh, Owen McIntyre, Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart, Mike Stoller, Melvin "Sparks" Hassan, Rod Temperton - Composer
- Tommy Tedesco - Audio Engineer, Engineer
- Recording Date - January 20, 2004 & February 12, 2004
Review: by Scott Yanow
Guitarist Melvin Sparks keeps 1970s-style funky soul-jazz alive on this set, which is filled with catchy grooves, fine ensemble playing, and soulful solos. Heading a quartet that features tenor saxophonist Joe Herbek (Cochemea Gastalim takes his place on "Charlie Brown"), organist Jeremy Baum (replaced by Adam Scone on two numbers), and drummer Eric Kalb, Sparks performs likable and very danceable music. The one fault to the date is the sameness of much of the R&B-ish material (the guitarist wrote five of the nine selections), but this CD is excellent for parties and as infectious background music.
- Melvin Sparks (guitar)
- Joe Herbeck, Cochemea Gastalim (saxophone)
- Jeremy Baum, Adam Scone (organ)
- Eric Kalb (drums)
Credits:
- N. Armstrong, R. Eli Ball, Malcolm Duncan, Alan Gorrie, Jerry Leiber, Robbie McIntosh, Owen McIntyre, Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart, Mike Stoller, Melvin "Sparks" Hassan, Rod Temperton - Composer
- Tommy Tedesco - Audio Engineer, Engineer
- Recording Date - January 20, 2004 & February 12, 2004
Review: by Scott Yanow
Guitarist Melvin Sparks keeps 1970s-style funky soul-jazz alive on this set, which is filled with catchy grooves, fine ensemble playing, and soulful solos. Heading a quartet that features tenor saxophonist Joe Herbek (Cochemea Gastalim takes his place on "Charlie Brown"), organist Jeremy Baum (replaced by Adam Scone on two numbers), and drummer Eric Kalb, Sparks performs likable and very danceable music. The one fault to the date is the sameness of much of the R&B-ish material (the guitarist wrote five of the nine selections), but this CD is excellent for parties and as infectious background music.
Melvin Sparks - 2005 - This is It! [CD' USA Savant]
Original Release: 2005 Savant Records (USA) (June 7, 2005)
Audio CD Release: 2005 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2065]
Total Playtime: 00:58:51
01. [05:05] This is It!
02. [07:59] Bambu
03. [05:52] Heavy Fallin' Out
04. [06:30] My Girl
05. [08:19] Give Your Life to G-d [feat. Nikki Armstrong]
06. [05:45] Watch Yo' Step
07. [07:57] Bounce
08. [06:39] The Light is On
09. [04:41] Hot Barbecue
Audio CD Release: 2005 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2065]
Total Playtime: 00:58:51
01. [05:05] This is It!
02. [07:59] Bambu
03. [05:52] Heavy Fallin' Out
04. [06:30] My Girl
05. [08:19] Give Your Life to G-d [feat. Nikki Armstrong]
06. [05:45] Watch Yo' Step
07. [07:57] Bounce
08. [06:39] The Light is On
09. [04:41] Hot Barbecue
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Justin Tomsovic
- Organ [Hammond] – Jerry Z
- Saxophone – Cochemea Gastelum
- Trumpet – Jennifer Hartswick
- Backing Vocals – Nikki Armstrong (tracks #5)
Credits:
- Recording Date - January 11, 2005
Review: by Scott Yanow
Guitarist Melvin Sparks' quintet date is a throwback to late-'60s funky soul-jazz. The pieces are bluesy and funky without being blues, and fall between jazz and R&B grooves. Sparks plays well if predictably and his obscure backup band (which has a background vocal from Nikki Armstrong on "Give Your Life to G-d") performs its parts well and with spirit. All of the music is danceable without being overly simplistic and the solos usually last the optimum length of time. The results are quite accessible if somewhat lacking in surprises, played in a style that is very easy to like.
- Guitar – Melvin Sparks
- Drums – Justin Tomsovic
- Organ [Hammond] – Jerry Z
- Saxophone – Cochemea Gastelum
- Trumpet – Jennifer Hartswick
- Backing Vocals – Nikki Armstrong (tracks #5)
Credits:
- Recording Date - January 11, 2005
Review: by Scott Yanow
Guitarist Melvin Sparks' quintet date is a throwback to late-'60s funky soul-jazz. The pieces are bluesy and funky without being blues, and fall between jazz and R&B grooves. Sparks plays well if predictably and his obscure backup band (which has a background vocal from Nikki Armstrong on "Give Your Life to G-d") performs its parts well and with spirit. All of the music is danceable without being overly simplistic and the solos usually last the optimum length of time. The results are quite accessible if somewhat lacking in surprises, played in a style that is very easy to like.
Melvin Sparks - 2006 - Groove on Up [CD' USA Savant] ::: CBR.320.Lame.3.98
Original Release: 2006 Savant Records (USA) (May 23, 2006)
Audio CD Release: 2006 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2070]
Total Playtime: 00:47:48
01. [04:59] Mykia's Dance
02. [05:14] Cranberry Sunshine
03. [04:27] Groove On Up
04. [05:40] Hump
05. [04:21] Ooh Girl
06. [03:40] I Want to Say Thanks
07. [05:24] She's a Bad Mama Jama
08. [04:55] Onion Patch
09. [04:50] If It Don't Fit (Don't Force It)
10. [04:06] U Got Mel
Audio CD Release: 2006 Savant Records (USA) [#SCD 2070]
Total Playtime: 00:47:48
01. [04:59] Mykia's Dance
02. [05:14] Cranberry Sunshine
03. [04:27] Groove On Up
04. [05:40] Hump
05. [04:21] Ooh Girl
06. [03:40] I Want to Say Thanks
07. [05:24] She's a Bad Mama Jama
08. [04:55] Onion Patch
09. [04:50] If It Don't Fit (Don't Force It)
10. [04:06] U Got Mel
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Cast:
- Melvin Sparks - guitar
- Jerry Z - Hammond organ & keyboards bass (tracks #1,2,4,7,8,9,10)
- Paul Wolstencroft - Hammond organ & keyboards bass (tracks #3,5,6)
- Eric Bolivar - drums (tracks #1,2,4,7,9)
- Eric Kalb - drums (tracks #3,5,6)
- Jun Saito - drums (tracks #8)
- Tom E.Ted - tablas (tracks #2)
- Nikki Armstrong - vocal (tracks #9)
- Oscar Wright - vocal (tracks #5)
Credits:
- Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ.December 2005
- Recording Date - December, 2005
- Melvin Sparks - guitar
- Jerry Z - Hammond organ & keyboards bass (tracks #1,2,4,7,8,9,10)
- Paul Wolstencroft - Hammond organ & keyboards bass (tracks #3,5,6)
- Eric Bolivar - drums (tracks #1,2,4,7,9)
- Eric Kalb - drums (tracks #3,5,6)
- Jun Saito - drums (tracks #8)
- Tom E.Ted - tablas (tracks #2)
- Nikki Armstrong - vocal (tracks #9)
- Oscar Wright - vocal (tracks #5)
Credits:
- Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ.December 2005
- Recording Date - December, 2005
Melvin Sparks - 2017 - Live at Nectar's [CD' USA One Note] ::: CBR.320.Lame.3.93
Original Release: 2017 Virtual Label Group (May 12, 2017)
Audio CD Release: 2017 One Note (May 12, 2017)
Total Playtime: 01:11:43
01. [08:46] Miss Riverside
02. [05:32] Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)
03. [08:09] Fire Eater
04. [07:01] Cranberry Sunshine
05. [09:07] Breezin'
06. [06:29] Whip! Whop!
07. [12:06] Thank You
08. [12:43] Hot Dog
09. [01:58] Band Intro
Audio CD Release: 2017 One Note (May 12, 2017)
Total Playtime: 01:11:43
01. [08:46] Miss Riverside
02. [05:32] Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)
03. [08:09] Fire Eater
04. [07:01] Cranberry Sunshine
05. [09:07] Breezin'
06. [06:29] Whip! Whop!
07. [12:06] Thank You
08. [12:43] Hot Dog
09. [01:58] Band Intro
Cast | Credits | Awards | Review
Review
It's good to hear Melvin Sparks back recording again........check out the classic cut "fire eater" If you can locate the album with he and the late Rusty. Bryant and late organist Leon Spencer, the great Melvin Sparks!
It's good to hear Melvin Sparks back recording again........check out the classic cut "fire eater" If you can locate the album with he and the late Rusty. Bryant and late organist Leon Spencer, the great Melvin Sparks!
Б И О Г Р А Ф И Я
Melvin Sparks (Мелвин Спаркс) (известен также как Melvin Sparks-Hassan) - американский soul jazz, hard bop и jazz blues гитарист. Наиболее активно выступал в 60-е и 70-е годы. Создатель таких направлений как Soul Jazz, старой школы Acid Jazz и Funk Jazz.
Спаркс родился 22 марта 1946 года в Хьюстоне (штат Техас) и вырос в музыкальной семье. Свою первую гитару он взял в руки в возрасте 11 лет. Начал играть в жанре ритм-энд-блюз еще будучи учеником средней школы - сначала с 'Hank Ballard and The Midnighters', затем c 'The Upsetters' (гастрольная группа, образованная Little Richard, в которую также вошли Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield и Marvin Gaye).
Спаркс переехал в Нью-Йорк и работал в качестве сессионного музыканта для компаний 'Blue Note' и 'Prestige Records'. Как часть растущей soul-jazz сцены конца 1960-х и начала 1970-х годов, Спаркс часто работал на концертах в паре с такими пианистами, как Jack McDuff, Dr.Lonnie Smith и Charles Earland. Выпустил 11 альбомов как сольный исполнитель (свой дебютный альбом 'Sparks!'(Искры!) записал в 1970 году на лейбле 'Prestige Records'), а также в составе своей группы. В более поздний период записывался на лейбле 'Savant Records'. Принимал участие в записи более 100 альбомов (записывался с Lou Donaldson, Charles Earland, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer, Johnny Hammond Smith и другими). Свою музыкальную подпись Спаркс поставил в работах многих других музыкантов, альбомы которых были отмечены наградами и простыми слушателями. Можно утверждать, что именно в это время Спаркс определил звук джаз-гитары всего поколения. Мелвин всегда был готов к тому, чтобы показать все, что он делает лучше, чем кто-либо другой. Спаркс до сих пор вызывает восхищение у многих артистов и слушателей.
Спаркс умер 15 марта 2011 года, в возрасте 64 лет, в своем доме в Маунт-Верноне, в Нью-Йорке. У него был сахарный диабет и высокое кровяное давление.
Альбом Melvin Sparks - 1996 - Legends of Acid Jazz представляет собой компиляцию первых двух дисков 1970 - Sparks! и 1971 - Spark Plug.
На discogs.com упоминается еще один "альбом" Melvin Sparks 'I'm Funky Now' [LP' Frankford] – предположительно невыпущенный виниловый альбом с материалом до 1970 года, в сети не обнаружен, на официальном сайте нет.
Информация discogs.com:
Title of the album is listed as "Im Funky Now" Melvin Sparks, it is written in marker on the record jacket. This may have been an unreleased album. There is no other info other than what I am listing. Tracklist:
Спаркс родился 22 марта 1946 года в Хьюстоне (штат Техас) и вырос в музыкальной семье. Свою первую гитару он взял в руки в возрасте 11 лет. Начал играть в жанре ритм-энд-блюз еще будучи учеником средней школы - сначала с 'Hank Ballard and The Midnighters', затем c 'The Upsetters' (гастрольная группа, образованная Little Richard, в которую также вошли Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield и Marvin Gaye).
Спаркс переехал в Нью-Йорк и работал в качестве сессионного музыканта для компаний 'Blue Note' и 'Prestige Records'. Как часть растущей soul-jazz сцены конца 1960-х и начала 1970-х годов, Спаркс часто работал на концертах в паре с такими пианистами, как Jack McDuff, Dr.Lonnie Smith и Charles Earland. Выпустил 11 альбомов как сольный исполнитель (свой дебютный альбом 'Sparks!'(Искры!) записал в 1970 году на лейбле 'Prestige Records'), а также в составе своей группы. В более поздний период записывался на лейбле 'Savant Records'. Принимал участие в записи более 100 альбомов (записывался с Lou Donaldson, Charles Earland, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer, Johnny Hammond Smith и другими). Свою музыкальную подпись Спаркс поставил в работах многих других музыкантов, альбомы которых были отмечены наградами и простыми слушателями. Можно утверждать, что именно в это время Спаркс определил звук джаз-гитары всего поколения. Мелвин всегда был готов к тому, чтобы показать все, что он делает лучше, чем кто-либо другой. Спаркс до сих пор вызывает восхищение у многих артистов и слушателей.
Спаркс умер 15 марта 2011 года, в возрасте 64 лет, в своем доме в Маунт-Верноне, в Нью-Йорке. У него был сахарный диабет и высокое кровяное давление.
Альбом Melvin Sparks - 1996 - Legends of Acid Jazz представляет собой компиляцию первых двух дисков 1970 - Sparks! и 1971 - Spark Plug.
01. [08:11] Thank You for Letting Me
02. [06:39] I Didn't Know what Time It Was
03. [05:56] Charlie Brown
04. [07:02] The Stinker
05. [11:14] Spill the Wine
06. [09:05] Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
07. [08:50] Spark Plug
08. [08:05] Conjunction Mars
09. [04:14] Alone Together
10. [06:45] Dig Dis
02. [06:39] I Didn't Know what Time It Was
03. [05:56] Charlie Brown
04. [07:02] The Stinker
05. [11:14] Spill the Wine
06. [09:05] Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
07. [08:50] Spark Plug
08. [08:05] Conjunction Mars
09. [04:14] Alone Together
10. [06:45] Dig Dis
На discogs.com упоминается еще один "альбом" Melvin Sparks 'I'm Funky Now' [LP' Frankford] – предположительно невыпущенный виниловый альбом с материалом до 1970 года, в сети не обнаружен, на официальном сайте нет.
Информация discogs.com:
Title of the album is listed as "Im Funky Now" Melvin Sparks, it is written in marker on the record jacket. This may have been an unreleased album. There is no other info other than what I am listing. Tracklist:
A1. I'm Funky Now
A2. Disco Booty
A3. Make It Good
A4. Love Tones
B1. The Truth Hurts
B2. We're Gonna Make It
B3. I'm Gonna Funk You Up
A2. Disco Booty
A3. Make It Good
A4. Love Tones
B1. The Truth Hurts
B2. We're Gonna Make It
B3. I'm Gonna Funk You Up
ВНИМАНИЕ: Обратите внимание, что альбомов, отмеченных как В ПОИСКЕ в раздаче ПОКА нет.
Время раздачи: ± 24/7 (практически круглосуточно)…
ВНИМАНИЕ! ПОСЛЕДНЕЕ ОБНОВЛЕНИЕ ТОРРЕНТА 14.11.2017 г.
Внимание! Торрент обновлён 14.11.2017 г.
Добавлен альбом:
2017 - Live at Nectar's [CD' USA One Note] – скачан в сети в формате [CBR.320.Lame.3.93], выкладывается по принципу «как есть»
Обновлены альбомы:
1973 - Texas Twister [CD'1995 UK Ace 2in1] – конвертирован из lossless-источника
1975 - '75 [CD'1995 UK Ace 2in1] – конвертирован из lossless-источника
1975 - '75 [CD'1995 UK Ace 2in1] – конвертирован из lossless-источника