Melvin Sparks Band • What You Hear Is What You Get

Review by Jesse Jarnow

What You Hear Is What You Get, guitarist Melvin Sparks' first session as a bandleader since 1997's I'm a Gittar Player, finds the guitarist in fine form, showing off his soul-jazz licks with funky aplomb. Since the release of I'm a Gittar Player, Sparks' native style underwent a huge renaissance, especially in New York City. John Scofield's sessions with Medeski, Martin & Wood, Soulive's recordings, and a variety of New York club acts helped find a new audience for the form. From these ranks, Sparks draws Topaz, a saxophone player (and leader of an eponymous unit) who blows on three cuts, including "The Governor," "Funky Good Time," and "Money." Also joining Sparks' quintet for a trio of tracks is his old friend, organist Reuben Wilson. The music is restrained and tasteful throughout. Sparks' playing is crisp and spot-on, though it rarely ventures into experimental territory. If Sparks comes across as hopelessly lodged in the past during some moments, it more often feels like, simply, he never went away.

https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-you-hear-is-what-you-get-mw0000660863

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Reseña de Jesse Jarnow

La primera sesión del guitarrista Melvin Sparks como director de una banda desde 1997, I'm a Gittar Player, encuentra al guitarrista en buena forma, mostrando sus lametazos de soul-jazz con aplomo funky. Desde el lanzamiento de I'm a Gittar Player, el estilo nativo de Sparks experimentó un enorme renacimiento, especialmente en la ciudad de Nueva York. Las sesiones de John Scofield con Medeski, Martin & Wood, las grabaciones de Soulive y una variedad de actos en clubes de Nueva York ayudaron a encontrar un nuevo público para la forma. De estas filas, Sparks saca a Topaz, un saxofonista (y líder de una unidad homónima) que sopla en tres cortes, incluyendo "El Gobernador", "Funky Good Time" y "Money". También se une al quinteto de Sparks para un trío de canciones su viejo amigo, el organista Reuben Wilson. La música es sobria y de buen gusto en todo momento. La música de Sparks es nítida y precisa, aunque rara vez se aventura en territorio experimental. Si Sparks se encuentra como desesperadamente alojado en el pasado durante algunos momentos, más a menudo se siente como, simplemente, que nunca se fue.

https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-you-hear-is-what-you-get-mw0000660863

Tracks:
1. Another Joe 5:43
2. What You Hear Is What You Get 6:29
3. The Governor 5:59
4. Funky Good Time 6:19
5. Turnin' Point 5:56
6. Matter of Time 6:32
7. Get N' It 6:50
8. Money (That's What I Want) 6:44
9. Breeze 6:53

Personnel:
Melvin Sparks - vocals, guitar, bass
Joe "Herbie J." Hrbek - alto saxophone
George Papageorge - Hammond b-3 organ
Tim Luntzel - acoustic & electric basses
Carter McLean (drums).
Additional personnel:
Topaz - tenor saxophone
Reuben Wilson - Hammond b-3 organ (6,7)

Label Savant
Orig Year 2002
Release Date Apr 22, 2003
Total Time: 00:57:29

 

 

 

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