It’s Just Me
After 60 years of success in bluegrass, Larry Sparks stands as a true legend. His new CD, It’s Just Me, delivers (almost) exactly that. Over ten tunes here, Sparks plays rhythm and lead guitar and vocals, backed by Larry D. Sparks on bass. No fillers, no showy guest stars, just the quiet dignity and enduring presence of a bluegrass man who many think doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
This is Larry Sparks in his most elemental form, just the voice, the guitar, the song. Everything comes together to showcase his enduring style.
Recorded at Sparks’ intimate home studio, It’s Just Me reveals an artist who yearns still to create, to influence, to mentor, and to persevere in his musical quest. The opening track, “Long Way to Denver,” gives us Sparks’ classic bluegrass baritone voice perfectly married to his unique, unmistakable guitar playing. He’s lost virtually none of his voice, and it’s maybe even more effective with the years of touring and countless live gigs.
The Keith Whitely classic by way of Hot Rize, “Great High Mountain,” is simply spellbinding. Larry’s weathered voice works exquisitely here, and his facile flatpicking solo is note-perfect, structured with great timing and effective note choices. As an underrated guitar ace, Sparks drops in some lovely double stop slurs and bends in his solo, almost emulating his vocal delivery on guitar.
“How About You” and the George Jones’ classic “She Thinks I Still Care” are more country than bluegrass. But Sparks always has appealed to crossover audiences. “Bring ‘Em On Back,” is a more uptempo tune, and Sparks enhances the difference with a loping feel to his rhythm playing. He clearly relishes it, and lays down some of his most creative guitar playing here, delivering excellent cross-picking, soulful bends and bluesy slides, with even a bit of a rock and roll riff for good measure.
It’s Just Me is a lovely tribute to the classic bluegrass sound of roadworn legend Larry Sparks, who still travels that lonesome road. For those unfamiliar with his guitar playing, this CD will definitely open some eyes and ears, and longtime fans will cherish this. Kudos to Mark Freeman and Rebel Records for supporting and releasing this project, helping to reinforce Larry’s stature, while also introducing his powerful, soulful style to a new generation of fans.
