Larry Sparks - Blue Mountain Memories

(Rebel REB-CD-1726) 1996.

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This is another excellent album which was recorded at Jordan Recording Studio in Covington, Kentucky.

Stand-out tracks include: Randall Hylton's nostalgic Digging In The Ground (previously cut on Ramblin Letters in 1981); Gary Ferguson's haunting Last Day At Gettysburg, which quickly became one of Larry's classic signature tunes; and Don't Know Why which was also written by Gary and where the deft lyrics revolve around a protagnoist who can't understand why he's been dumped. Larry's uncle, Elmer Russell also contributes fine two tracks - the bluesy Thinking Right and Jesus Is Waiting For Me, both of which have soulful vocals.

The album is also notable for including Larry's first a capella recording, Gospel Train, with Larry singing lead on the verses and harmony largely restricted to the choruses - featuring lead & baritone vocal by Larry, Jim Britton on tenor and Jeff Brown singing bass.

Blue Mountain Memories by Bob 'Cadillac' Holmes is a tad on the slow nostalgic/formulaic side but with fine vocal harmonies.

Two instrumentals are included on the album:- Ramblin' Pickin' being a fast-paced workout with Larry providing a split guitar/mandolin break & another neat break with Larry's mandolin playing in unison with Jim Britton's banjo; in contrast, the version of Danny Boy is very laid-back with Larry's bluesy guitar & mandolin work to the fore.

The album concludes with a fine version of Pat Twitty's Stone Wall (Around Your Heart)...

Two versions of the CD were issued, with later copies having re-designed artwork and a new CD master.

Liner notes are written by Eddie Dean

• Larry Sparks: guitar, mandolin, vocals
• Jim Britton: banjo, tenor vocals
• Jeff Brown: vocals
• Tim Caudill: bass
• Scott Napier: mandolin (a)

NB: (a) on A10.

Other artwork / related images: