Melvin Sparks: Live At Nectar's (Vinyl LP) [ vinyl ]

Archive release from th rhythm & blues guitarist. This release documents Melvin's final band just months before his death. Organist Beau Sasser and drummer Bill Carbone had been working with Sparks for several years, and, despite the power dynamic - they were in their early 30s, Melvin an elder-statesmen of the genre - the unit was sharp, relaxed and performed Melvin's music with a jovial spirit. The trio played the Burlington, VT club Nectar's regularly, but this night featured two onlys. Per the recommendation of Nectar's agent they used the Grippo Horns, the only time Sparks used a horn section in the last several years of his life, and they allowed a multitrack recording of the show. Both were strong decisions.