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| Larry Sparks will play in Hughesville, Maryland On Sunday February 19, 2006, 2 times International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, Larry Sparks & his Lonesome Ramblers will be appearing at the American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, Maryland. • 2004 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year • 2005 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year • 2005 IBMA Album of the Year • 2005 Recorded Event of the Year – ‘40’ Bluegrass music is now almost 60 years old, and it has become clear that within the music there are only a small handful of major stylists. Larry Sparks is one of the few who has created a style while remaining true to the best traditions of bluegrass. Larry began his career at the top of his profession when he worked with the Stanly Bros. and Ralph Stanley during the late 60’s. He formed the Lonesome Ramblers in 1969, and began a recording career that to date has produced many albums and has established him as one of the top names in Bluegrass. Larry’s style of singing and playing are among the most copied in bluegrass. Based on rock solid rhythm and with driving support from the Lonesome Ramblers, his guitar playing is legendary for his hot solos and “lonesome” instrumentals. Furthermore, Larry’s singing, a long highlight of the band, has earned him the reputation of “The Most Soulful Voice in Bluegrass.” Credits like that only come with a high degree of talent, professionalism, and many long years of excellence. Since the birth of Bluegrass festivals in 1966, Larry and the Lonesome Ramblers have played all across the country during the summer, busy with festivals and park show. During the winter months, the band stays busy and with a full schedule of college concerts and other indoor shows. A Larry Sparks show is always a delightful combination of good humor and good music. If bluegrass music is to survive as a living and creative style of music, then it will be through the perseverance and musical integrity of musicians like Larry Sparks. Larry’s latest Rebel Record release, 40, is a stunning set that revisits some of the many highlights of Larry Sparks’ recording career and sets out to create some new ones, all with the help of friends and admirers whose names read like a “who’s who” of bluegrass and country music. Vince Gill, country legend Tom T. Hall, Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski, Andy Griggs, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Kevin Denney are just a few of the guest artists that delightfully joined Larry in his celebration of 40 years in Bluegrass music on this latest recording. Today, Sparks is seen more clearly than ever for what he is – a compelling, influential artist who has struck a unique balance between tradition and originality, forging new paths while remaining true to the music he loves. “I love the guitar playing of a lot of folks, but Larry Sparks, he was my model – he and Del McCoury, ” Lynn Morris says, and the dual mention of Sparks and McCoury testifies to the formers musical stature. Like McCoury, he’s an old-school treasure who has been appreciated by the bluegrass community for decades. In recent years, Del McCoury’s music has finally reached a new, enthusiastic audience – it only remains for Sparks’ to do the same. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |