Melvin Sparks is more prominent than ever as this new CD "Groove On Up!" This new album reflects his sensational talent for innovation and heart pounding boogaloo-stylings. With many new originals and some reinterpreted bouncing versions of others , this new disc is a masterful work by Melvin Sparks and is sure to find its rightful place in your collection of all-time favorite funk records. With the usual suspects, Melvin again shows us why he is known as the Funkmeister Supreme.
Jazzreview.com review
Guitarist Melvin Sparks is a living legend, acclaimed for his jazz/soul/funk chops, hearkening back to the days when he performed with sax titan Lou Donaldson and a litany of other jazz notabl On this newly released studio set, the guitarist conjures up cheery ramifications via his articulately generated single-note flurries and tuneful themes, such as the alluring and radio-friendly opener MyKias Dance. Its all about the groove, indeed!
Sparks rides atop hot n spicy, groove-laden back-beats and catchy hooks to exemplify his outward purveyance of good cheer. His effervescent rhythmic voicings offer a mini-clinic for soul-jazz wannabes. With master chops, Sparks palette is partly steeped within a retro vibe, witnessed on the 60s Motown-ish piece Ooh Girl, where Nikki Armstrong and Oscar Wright engage in sleek, verse-chorus vocals. Otherwise, the guitarist quotes Chuck Berrys Johnny B Goode riff during his solo on the up-tempo blues-rock composition If It Dont Fit (Dont Force It).
Some of the intentional schmaltz works wonders here! But its Sparks ability to acutely intertwine his masterful technique with a good-timey persona. It all stacks up rather nicely and looms as a determining factor as to why I cannot seem to hit my CD players eject button. Sustainable gratification is the key here!
--Glenn Astarita
Organists include Paul Wolstencroft and Jerry Z. Eric Boliver & Eric Kalb are on the drums and Nikki Armstrong and Oscar Wright contribute vocals to the album.
Melvin Sparks at the Dakota in Minneapolis. April 7, 2005
Melvin Sparks at the Dakota in Minneapolis. April 7, 2005
The King Of Pop, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the “King of Pop” and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne died June 25 2009 3 months short of his 51st Birthday. He was 50.
In 1960 the group came to Milwaukee where the King Of Pop met the group "Step By Step", that''s when the King Of Pop found out that the lead singer for Step By Step Johnnie Gee were born 1 year and 1 month apart.
The King Of Pop was born August 29 1958, and Johnnie Gee was born September 29 1959. Just like the King Of Pop Johnnie Gee admired Jackie Wilson and James Brown for their musical moves and skills, the dedication song title is called "Mesmerized". This special dedication comes from the heart and soul of Johnnie Gee, and to symbolize the life long friendship the both of these legends shared through out their careers. Michael Jackson (The King Of Pop), and Johnnie Gee (The King Of Soul) will always have a spiritual connection and something in common in the music world. We will always love Michael, and will miss him dearly.. R.I.P to the King Of Pop!
What a fatal blow the music industry, our legend has passed on...R.I.P to my special brother!
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Hi Darlin' How can I see the commercial? As I play you every week I thought you might want to tune in, now you can listen 24/7 at www.wfdu.fm. Just pull down the date of the Wed shows and you'll see/hear me there playing Blues in the Grooves! Love ya, Nikki
Ciao Melvin ,Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, you are fantastic ..really talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Hey my friend~played "Pick up the Pieces" the other day on the show and the people out there LOVED it....Would love to get you out to the Mid-west sometime in the summer???
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