Sparks, Larry - Way Back when [CD]

Bluegrass legend Larry Sparks, a 2015 Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, celebrates his 20th album for Rebel Records with Way Back When. Six decades into his career, Sparks continues to captivate audiences with his unique guitar work and unmistakable voice. Widely regarded as one of the last remaining bluegrass originals, he helped shape the sound and spirit of the genre from it's earliest days. With a deep commitment to tradition and a gift for heartfelt storytelling, Sparks remains a vital force in bluegrass music, inspiring new generations of fans and musicians alike. Notably, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, and Billy Strings have all cited Sparks as a significant influence on their own musical careers. Following his most recent solo album, this new release reunites Sparks with a full band to present a collection that blends heartfelt originals, classic covers, and gospel favorites - all delivered with the soulful vocals and clean guitar picking that have come to define his sound. On Way Back When, Larry Sparks offers a rich selection of songs that meld brand-new material with timeless classics, each brought to life with his unmistakable voice and masterful guitar work. The album opens with the warm, nostalgic title track, written by Gary Ferguson, Brent Moyer, and Robert Tobin - a tender reflection on treasured memories that stands alongside "The Fields of Gettysburg," Ferguson's moving co-write with Niall Toner, which evokes the history and human cost of the Civil War. Sparks offers a spirited take on "Tennessee Border," a song famously recorded by Hank Williams and Roy Acuff, and lends heartfelt intimacy to Arthur Smith's gentle "A Daddy's Lullaby." He brings a bluegrass edge to Ivory Joe Hunter's soulful "Since I Met You Baby," while his gospel roots shine brightly on the stirring "On the Battlefield for My Lord." The traditional "Sleepin' Lula" bursts with playful drive, and Sparks channels classic country warmth in "Ages and Ages Ago," penned by Gene Autry, Fred Rose, and Ray Whitley. Flatt & Scruggs' "Come Back Darling" is rendered with heartfelt longing, and the album closes with a Hank Williams' gospel gem "How Can You Refuse Him Now?," performed with reverence and deep emotion. Together, these ten tracks showcase Larry Sparks' unmatched ability to honor tradition while making every song distinctly his own.