Biography

Radio Contact:
Ellen Nagase
434-973-5151
radio@rebelrecords.com

Click here to go to Rebel Records' Main Page

LARRY SPARKS - IT'S JUST ME (REB-1880), 2023

Musicians
Larry Sparks: Guitar & Vocal
Larry "D" Sparks: Bass

Production Credits
Produced by Larry Sparks
Recorded by Evan Wilson
Mixed and mastered by Larry Sparks and Evan Wilson
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Sparks Studio, Greensburg, IN

By now it ought to be clear to any fan of authentic bluegrass and honest Americana in general that any new album by the iconic singer and instrumentalist Larry Sparks is certainly an event that brings with it a sense of heightened anticipation. After all, Sparks is not only an incredibly accomplished musician — one who can claim multiple honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association — but an also artist who has helped bring bluegrass music national — and international — prominence, courtesy of his celebrated stint in the mid ‘60s with the Stanley Brothers, and later, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. In 1969, he formed his own outfit, The Lonesome Ramblers, a band he has helmed ever since.

With that said, Sparks’ new album, the aptly titled It’s Just Me represents a decided change of tack, one that finds him once again digging into the roots via any number of revered country classics but this time around in a purely solo mode. Other than the occasional bass contributions of his son Larry “D” Sparks, it spotlights him entirely on his own, accompanying himself in his trademark flat-picking guitar style and singing with a purity and conviction that’s become his stock in trade. It’s an idea he kicked around for a while and has resulted in a rich and resilient set of songs, all flush with true tenderness, heartfelt emotion and the kind of conviction that only a true luminary like Larry Sparks is capable of delivering.

Produced by Sparks himself, recorded by Evan Wilson, mixed and mastered by Sparks and Wilson, all at Sparks’ home studio in Greensburg, Indiana, the material is gleaned from a varied array of celebrated singers and songwriters. Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell and George Jones are among those represented, as well as such up-and-coming notables as Daniel Crabtree and Wyatt McCubbin. It’s an evocative set of songs, yet one that’s also spawned from simplicity and the melodic caress that each of these staples and standards have to offer. Sparks says it was his idea to share the essence of these songs, without undermining their essence through arrangements that might cloud or clutter the proceedings.

Ultimately, It’s Just Me can easily be considered yet another milestone in a career with no shortage of storied accomplishments. By reframing these cherished musical memories in his own inimitable manner, Larry Sparks pays reverence to the roots while finding continuing contemporary credence and credibility. In that regard, It’s Just Me is an exercise in humility and integrity that reflects both the singer and the songs.