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TRADING MY SORROWS: The Best of Rick Sparks (©2005) I believe that deep within the heart of every performing musician lies the desire to record. I know that I wanted to do so for a long time, but was held back by the cost of studio sessions and the uncertainty that what I had to offer musically was worth recording. Like most church musicians, my style as a performer has been fashioned by the context of worship. While I love traditional worship styles, for these recordings I wanted to stretch myself musically by taking the familiar melodies of classic hymns and gospel songs and remaking them with the tools of pop piano and smooth jazz. Doing so often meant playing "outside the box" as I ventured into new musical territory as both a player and arranger. It was a big challenge, but in the end I found tremendous fulfillment (and a lot of fun!). I hope the result will bless the believer, and maybe even find an appreciative audience outside the church sanctuary. By 2001, the technology of PC-based recording had made setting up a home recording studio relatively easy (and affordable). That summer I bought a Roland synthesizer and Sonar multitrack recording software and immersed myself into what would become the most musically intense and prolific period of my life. Between August 2001 and November 2004, I would record four albums: Smooth Gospel (©2002), Wade In The Water (©2002), Send The Light (©2003) and The Hills of Home (©2004). During those 3 years, I traveled a wonderous road of inspiration and creativity for which I am deeply grateful. This CD contains some of my favorite songs from those projects, as well as a new song dedicated to the memory of my father, Lewis Sparks. Even now he is dancing with the angels. When you listen to this album, you'll hear the influence of my musical background as a child of the 1960s and 70s, from the group Chicago to jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis to the rhythms of Motown. You'll also hear the influence of a lifetime of loving and playing the songs of the church. Most of all, I hope you'll hear the influence of the master musician, Jesus Christ. I believe He helped me with every arrangement, every recording, every mixdown. Without His inspiration and the unflagging support of my wife Sandie, these recordings would not have happened. So, my heartfelt thanks to God and all the many musical mentors in my life for this collection of recordings. In them you hear my heart as a musician and a believer. Enjoy them for what they are, a testament to the One who created music for His glory and our pleasure. -RS, Cleveland, Tennessee, November 2005 Check out the artist's website: http://www.geocities.com/silbersix Track List: 1. Angel Dance 2. Trading My Sorrows 3. Good Christian Men, Rejoice 4. Keep Walking 5. Redeemed How I Love To Proclaim It 6. Lord I Lift Your Name On High 7. The Old Gospel Ship 8. O Happy Day 9. Praise Him, Praise Him 10. Nothing But The Blood 11. Send The Light 12. We'll Work Till Jesus Comes 13. The Hills Of Home 14. Spirit Of The Living God 15. I Have Decided To Follow Jesus Other Genres:
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