Customer Reviews

Classic Bluegrass

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was introduced to Larry Sparks to listening to my favorite band Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Sparks use to sing solid lead for Ralph after Carter's death. This album is for the most part excellent singing and song selection in a traditional and high-lonesome style. I really enjoy "Love of the Mountains, "Kentucky Girl," and "Smokey Mountain Memories." Most of the tunes are classic and soul stirring. Sparks has a unique voice most all traditional country and bluegrass fans will be pleased with. A few songs are weak but for the most part this album is classic singing and picking. Some of the songs will make you feel sad and melancholy, but will also bring dreams and a smile for those who desire a more authentic and simple life.

It simply doesn't get any better than this...Larry has the voice and soul that this kind of music often lacks (but always NEEDS to sound convincing , as it can easily be lightweight otherwise..) , this due to the frequent emphasis /cult of "pickin" and a-grinnin'..", all very well, but accompaniment is only the servant to the master who must appear, ie the singer!
All great music in any genre, is equal at the top end of the game and this collection is NO exception...would rather have this than a "Best of.." general bluegrass set that features the prime/classic exponents because it is so accomplished and so real, as well as never TOO polished...what a voice Larry has, superb timing and rhythm, and the music just sounds like what it is about- too bad more people haven't discovered this major artist, but time will surely elevate his flame in respect of being one of the five or so major exponents of the genre, the others are obviously already well-known...! Better still to buy as many of his LPs/CDs as possible-THEY'RE ALL BETTER than just GOOD!!

This is an outstanding selection, with the best of Larry Sparks's talent represented. Any Bluegrass music lover would want this album.

If you've followed the career of Larry Sparks, you know he can be counted on for real traditional bluegrass musiceal entertainment. I have seen him twice -- once in 1974 and again in 1987. Both times he was excellent. I do not know everything about his history, but there are many albums on vinyl from his early days. He performed with Ralph Stanley's band and you can get some of this music on the CD's : Poor Rambler. He had quite a few lps out on Rebel Homestead etc. Get Green Pastures in the Sky. This is probably the best work he ever did.
But the cd in question: "Classic Bluegrass" is mainly from the late 70's and 80's, a compilation including 1949 and John Deere Tractor. This is an excellent cd, where he shows his continuing growth as a artist, his impeccable musicianship and his haunting vocals. I would call it a lonesome sound. You will count yourself lucky if you can find this cd at a decent price. If you get it from Amazon, you should get a pretty good deal on a used copy like I did.

I absolutley LOVE Smoky Mountain Memories! It is one of my favorites. Larry Spark's classic voice really brings out the best in this old Mel Street classic!