It Is What It Is

by Melvin Sparks

Overview

Guitarist Melvin Sparks keeps 1970s-style funky soul-jazz alive on this set, which is filled with catchy grooves, fine ensemble playing, and soulful solos. Heading a quartet that features tenor saxophonist Joe Herbek (Cochemea Gastalim takes his place on "Charlie Brown"), organist Jeremy Baum (replaced by Adam Scone on two numbers), and drummer Eric Kalb, Sparks performs likable and very danceable music. The one fault to the date is the sameness of much of the R&B-ish material (the guitarist wrote five of the nine selections), but this CD is excellent for parties and as infectious background music. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	06/08/2004
Label:	Savant Records (Jazz) / Savant
UPC:	0633842205724
Rank:	99274

Tracks

1. It Is What It Is
2. Thank You
3. Charlie Brown
4. A Love Jam
5. Clinton Park
6. Guitar Playah
7. Got the Blues?
8. Pick Up the Pieces
9. Give Me the Night

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Melvin Sparks   Primary Artist,Guitar
Adam Scone   Organ
Cochemea Gastelum   Saxophone
Joe Herbeck   Saxophone
Jeremy Baum   Organ
Eric Kalb   Drums

Technical Credits

Tommy Tedesco   Audio Engineer,Engineer
Melvin Sparks   Audio Production,Producer
Malcolm Duncan   Composer
Owen McIntyre   Composer
Alan Gorrie   Composer
Sylvester Stewart   Composer
R. Eli Ball   Composer
N. Armstrong   Composer
Melvin "Sparks" Hassan   Composer
Jerry Leiber   Composer
Rod Temperton   Composer
Robbie McIntosh   Composer
Mike Stoller   Composer