Search - Larry Sparks :: I Don't Regret a Mile

Beautiful gospel, the way it should be

capefearcinema | Harpers Ferry, WV | 07/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Larry Sparks' music gets better with each new album, and this is the pinnacle of his art. The harmonies and backing music of his Lonesome Ramblers is put to a higher calling here, and the a capella finale of the album is the perfect conclusion for one of the best gospel albums I have ever heard. Sure to be a favorite."

Strong, respectful attention to his direct, personalized, tr

Joseph Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 03/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was intriguing to first listen to Rebel Records' release called "The Best of Larry Sparks: Bound To Ride" (REB-CD-7522) before listening to Larry's new all-gospel indie album "I Don't Regret A Mile." Larry's music in the 1970s and 1980s had plenty of 'hits' because of his ability to find good material from the likes of songwriters Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm. He's always presented his music with the utmost respect, full transparency and candid assertiveness. We have to thank Larry Sparks for always maintaining strong, respectful attention to his direct, personalized, tradition-based music during his many decades in the business. While always having a significant fanbase, his musical maturity and accomplishment have now earned him recognition from his peers as a multi-year winner of IBMA's "Male Vocalist of the Year." Now, with hopes that his new album will be a blessing that will encourage and uplift, Larry sings fine gospel songs with Jeff Brown and Mike Feagan. The instrumental support includes Larry's solid guitar, as well as his son Larry D. Sparks (bass), Josh McMurray (banjo), Jackie Kincaid (mandolin), Mike Feagan (fiddle), and Ronnie Stewart on two cuts (fiddle, banjo, mandolin). Larry Sparks believes that these mostly new songs have been placed with him to sing with the Lord's anointing. In his own uptempo composition "What Kind of Man?," Sparks answers rhetorically when he sings about Jesus assisting the lame to walk, healing the sick, raising the dead, and helping the blind to see. It's a simple, direct and thought-provoking statement ... just like Larry Sparks' music has been for the last fifty years. (Joe Ross, Joshua Tree, CA)

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