{"title":"Melvin Sparks","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"b-melvin-sparks-b-br-i-live-at-nectars-i","title":"Melvin Sparks - Live at Nectar's","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFormat \/ \u003cstrong\u003eLP Vinyl\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eReleased \/ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCatalog \/ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ \u003cstrong\u003e881626608111\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eArtist \/ \u003cstrong\u003eMelvin Sparks\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLabel \/ \u003cstrong\u003eOne Note Records\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eGenre \/ \u003cstrong\u003eJazz\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Red","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":337989238802,"sku":"JAZ-881626608111","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/products\/413d41caaab19f1262b48ca42b76d72b.jpg?v=1510752201"},{"product_id":"b-melvin-sparks-b-br-i-texas-twister-i","title":"Melvin Sparks - Texas Twister","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFormat \/ \u003cstrong\u003eLP Vinyl\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eReleased \/ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCatalog \/ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ \u003cstrong\u003e092624999730\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eArtist \/ \u003cstrong\u003eMelvin Sparks\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLabel \/ \u003cstrong\u003eTidal Waves Music\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eGenre \/ \u003cstrong\u003eFunk \/ Soul\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Light In The Attic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7519233572925,"sku":"FSL-092624999730","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/products\/ae146053f520a8f25ef86f74e72d22c7.jpg?v=1523921723"},{"product_id":"b-melvin-sparks-b-br-i-im-funky-now-i","title":"Melvin Sparks - I'm Funky Now","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-csa-c-id=\"r9n7d1-6d9528-lnnqt1-1l9emd\" data-cel-widget=\"dpx-product-description_csm_instrumentation_wrapper\" class=\"celwidget\" cel_widget_id=\"dpx-product-description_csm_instrumentation_wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-extra-large\" id=\"descriptionAndDetails\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-csa-c-id=\"sip0ey-ll73vh-o0wwzg-plpqi9\" data-cel-widget=\"productDescription_feature_div\" data-feature-name=\"productDescription\" class=\"celwidget\" id=\"productDescription_feature_div\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-cel-widget=\"productDescription_feature_div\" class=\"a-row feature\" id=\"productDescription_feature_div\" data-template-name=\"productDescription\" data-feature-name=\"productDescription\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small\" id=\"productDescription\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelvin Sparks (1946-2011) was a talented American Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, Blues and Funk guitarist. The Texas native picked up a guitar at age 11 and was only 13 when he sat in with B.B. King. As a high school student he first joined Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, and then the Upsetters (a touring band formed by Little Richard, which also backed Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye). Sparks and his guitar were very much in demand during the 60ies-70ies and he was featured on sessions by Idris Muhammad, Lonnie Smith, Charles Earland, Ceasar Frazier, Bernard Purdie... and many others. During his career Mr. Sparks recorded multiple albums for renowned labels such as Prestige, Muse \u0026amp; Savant and worked as a session musician for Blue Note Records. Melvin Sparks' songs were sampled countless times by DJ's and Hip-Hop outfits (including Grandmaster Flash) over the decades. In 1973 Sparks moved into funkier directions and joined the Westbound\/Eastbound family where he recorded some of his all-time classics ('Texas Twister' \u0026amp; '75'). A third record with Westbound was planned for 1976 (called I'm Funky Now) but was never released (although a sequenced production master \u0026amp; and a limited number of acetates were produced) because of the major changes that took place in the music industry at that particular time... clubs were suddenly going for DJ's instead of bands and the much loved (but less obvious) genre\/scene that Melvin Sparks was part of suddenly fell out of grace. For the I'm Funky Now album Melvin Sparks recorded seven new tracks in Detroit with some of the finest session musicians. Very little is known about the band that backed up Sparks on these recordings, but it's thought that some of the musicians were from the Funkadelic and Parliament family. The producing credit on this album goes to Westbound\/Eastbound veteran Bernie Mendelson, known for his work with Houston Person, Donald Austin and Albert Washington. Over the seven tracks, Melvin Sparks and his band flit seamlessly between soul-jazz, proto-boogie, disco and funk. There are some über-funky dancefloor tracks on this album which would have been destined to become DJ favorites. I'm Funky Now pays lip service to the then-current success of disco-music but doesn't pander... what you get here is a heavily funky and orchestrated version of his trademark style, with some sweet JB styled basslines and beautiful mellow moments thrown in the mix. Tight rhythm sections, dueling horns, dreamy smooth jazz... Melvin Sparks truly unleashes a genre-melting musical masterclass here. A CD version was produced in 2017 and now after a 45-year wait, Tidal Waves Music is proud to be releasing it for the very FIRST TIME on vinyl. This deluxe 180g vinyl edition is limited to 500 copies and comes with an insert featuring liner notes by Dean Rudland. Unearthed straight from the Westbound vaults... this is a valuable addition to any record collection!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormat \/ \u003cstrong\u003eLP Vinyl\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eReleased \/ \u003cstrong\u003e09\/11\/2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalog \/\u003cstrong\u003e TWM-57\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ \u003cstrong\u003e719281952723\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eArtist \/ \u003cstrong\u003eMelvin Sparks\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLabel \/ \u003cstrong\u003eTidal Waves Music\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eGenre \/ \u003cstrong\u003eJazz\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Light In The Attic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32888978604093,"sku":"JAZ-S-719281952723","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/products\/f02b7ef496dd16ad6d9af59cc0b66f3d.jpg?v=1600988707"},{"product_id":"melvin-sparks-live-at-nectars-10399979","title":"Melvin Sparks - Live At Nectar's on One Note Records","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVINYL CONDITION: VG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOVER CONDITION: VG+ (Minor corner and ringwear)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES: 2017 Pressing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecords are graded using the Goldmine system, shown below for reference:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSealed\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJacket sealed in shrink wrap or other original packaging. The vinyl in this case is sold as-is or not graded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNM (Near Mint)\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNo visible defects. No writing, stickers, spindle marks, or any other imperfections on label. Appears unplayed and unhandled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: May have some light wear including sleeve scuffs or other superficial marks that will not affect play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Will have some light wear that may include sleeve scuffs, very light scratches, or other superficial marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Similar imperfections to a VG+ record, but they're either more pronounced, or there is a higher number of imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many light scratches or scuffs. Any record with an isolated defect such as a single scratch that can be felt with a fingernail will have a VG- grade or lower. The record will not skip but some noise is expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many imperfections, including but not limited to scratches that can be felt with a fingernail. A lot of background noise, clicks, and pops should be expected with this grade.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Used","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40462355005501,"sku":"PLAID404329","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/files\/MBL_2128.jpg?v=1718980592"},{"product_id":"melvin-sparks-melvin-sparks-75-plaid513473","title":"Melvin Sparks - Melvin Sparks '75 on 20th Century Records \/ Westbound Records","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVINYL CONDITION:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eStrong\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVG\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Light marks.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOVER CONDITION:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVG\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Corner wear. Edge wear. Ring wear. Writing on back cover right in the middle of Melvin's damn forehead. What a shame.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e1975 US pressing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecords are graded using the Goldmine system, shown below for reference:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSealed\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJacket sealed in shrink wrap or other original packaging. The vinyl in this case is sold as-is or not graded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNM (Near Mint)\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNo visible defects. No writing, stickers, spindle marks, or any other imperfections on label. Appears unplayed and unhandled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: May have some light wear including sleeve scuffs or other superficial marks that will not affect play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Will have some light wear that may include sleeve scuffs, very light scratches, or other superficial marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Similar imperfections to a VG+ record, but they're either more pronounced, or there is a higher number of imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many light scratches or scuffs. Any record with an isolated defect such as a single scratch that can be felt with a fingernail will have a VG- grade or lower. The record will not skip but some noise is expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many imperfections, including but not limited to scratches that can be felt with a fingernail. A lot of background noise, clicks, and pops should be expected with this grade.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Used","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43297763426365,"sku":"PLAID513473","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/files\/IMG_5014_732658c2-98c5-4a51-8b8d-90c370bb56cb.jpg?v=1784651803"},{"product_id":"melvin-sparks-texas-twister","title":"Melvin Sparks - Texas Twister on Eastbound Records - Promo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVINYL CONDITION:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOVER CONDITION:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVG+\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Cut corner \/ Corner wear \/ Ring wear)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e1973 US pressing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecords are graded using the Goldmine system, shown below for reference:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSealed\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJacket sealed in shrink wrap or other original packaging. The vinyl in this case is sold as-is or not graded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNM (Near Mint)\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNo visible defects. No writing, stickers, spindle marks, or any other imperfections on label. Appears unplayed and unhandled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: May have some light wear including sleeve scuffs or other superficial marks that will not affect play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Will have some light wear that may include sleeve scuffs, very light scratches, or other superficial marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Similar imperfections to a VG+ record, but they're either more pronounced, or there is a higher number of imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVG-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many light scratches or scuffs. Any record with an isolated defect such as a single scratch that can be felt with a fingernail will have a VG- grade or lower. The record will not skip but some noise is expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: Many imperfections, including but not limited to scratches that can be felt with a fingernail. A lot of background noise, clicks, and pops should be expected with this grade.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Used","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43394398617661,"sku":"PLAID516250","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1487\/4550\/files\/IMG_0630_b55bbd1f-dc91-4f30-9928-b8d3947b9dd9.jpg?v=1793121821"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.plaidroomrecords.com\/collections\/artist-melvin-sparks.oembed","provider":"Plaid Room Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}