Sparks, Melvin
Savant, 2003, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 9.3
Jazz Ruler Type: funk
Performance: 5
Sound: 3+
Score: 
O’s Notes: Guitarist Melvin Sparks is an accomplished jazz/blues guitarist having appeared on over 150 albums but mostly as a sideman. He’s the leader here and does an excellent job of it. Sparks manages to keep his groove contemporary as he passes through time by surrounding himself with the right musicians. Guest artists Rueben Wilson (B3) and Topaz (ts) along with Joee Hrbek (as) and bassist Tim Luntzel are examples. Melvin infuses dubs of rhythm guitar to complement his liquid melodies for an exciting effect. We particularly liked the title track, James Brown’s “Funky Good Time” and the cooler “Get N’ It”. There’s a lot to like!
