 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
"Wade In The Water" (2002) is the followup to Rick Sparks' first CD, "Smooth Gospel" (2002). Like Rick's first CD, "Wade In The Water" features smooth-jazz and pop piano stylings of classic hymns and gospel songs. "There are tons of great hymns and gospel songs that lend themselves to smooth jazz/pop piano arrangements that I didn't have room for on the first CD," says Rick. "Too, this CD takes the production and arranging of my music to the next level." Although he has a master's degree in church music, Rick says his formative years as a Top-40 radio disc jockey in the 1970s was of more immediate help in choosing and arranging the songs on his new album. "I wanted to breathe some new life into these old songs of faith," says Rick. "Like all the great radio songs, these are melodies that stick with you. I knew they'd sound great with a modern touch, especially for those who love the pop music of the 60's and 70's." "When you think of the sound of Booker T.'s B-3 organ, or the R&B horns of Memphis, or the lilting oboe in The Carpenter's music, or Ramsey Lewis' great jazz/pop piano licks, or Chuck Berry's guitar riffs - those are all sounds you'll hear on "Wade In The Water," says Rick. "They're great timeless sounds from pop music's heyday and they still sound great today. Maybe a little unexpected in the context of gospel songs, but still great." Several songs on the new album were radio hits in the 1960s, including the title cut by Ramsey Lewis, "O Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, and Elvis' "Peace In The Valley." Other songs include "The Old Gospel Ship," "Shall We Gather At The River," and a rearranged version of "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" from Sparks' first CD. The songs are backed by a solid groove of drums and bass underlying Sparks' piano and other instruments, including orchestral strings, trumpet, trombone, rock organ and various synthesizer sounds. Perhaps the most unexpected song on the album is the final track. "I took the lovely sacred harp song, 'I Will Arise And Go To Jesus,' and made it into a Rapture theme," says Rick. "While the song is not about the Rapture of the church per se, the title is perfect for that. Like the Rapture will be, I tried for some high drama in the arrangement." "Wade In The Water" is available online at www.cdbaby.com/ricksparks. Dr. Rick Sparks (Ph.D.) is a native Tennessean, lifelong broadcaster, educator and musician. He teaches on the communication faculty at Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee. Check out the artist's website: http://geocities.com/silbersix Track List: 1. O Happy Day 2. Wade in the Water 3. Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim It 4. The Old Gospel Ship 5. Jacob's Ladder 6. Peace in the Valley 7. Poor Wayfaring Stranger (pt. 2) 8. I Don't Want to Get Adjusted to This World 9. Shall We Gather At the River 10. I Will Arise and Go to Jesus (rapture Theme) Other Genres:
|