Melvin Sparks - What You Hear Is What You Get (2001)

Veteran guitarist Melvin Sparks recorded prolifically as a sideman on many classic soul-jazz recordings during the '60s and early '70s, and on What You Hear Is What You Get (Nectar), he and his organ combo host their own infectiously funky soul-jazz party. While this skilled ensemble jams with palpable good spirits throughout the recording, it's Sparks' sturdy rhythm support and dexterous Grant Green-esque solos that really highlight the tracks. The album opens with the rollicking "Another Joe," then moves on to the lively title track, which features some agile fingerwork from Sparks. The hard-grooving "The Governor" features a gritty solo by single-named tenor saxophonist Topaz, while the soul-soaked "Matter of Time" includes a chewy B-3 solo by guest organist Reuben Wilson. Sparks provides raspy vocals to two remakes: a spirited take on James Brown’s "Funky Good Time" and a rousing version of the chestnut "Money." ~ Lucy Tauss, JazzTimes.

Savant Records, SCD 2049, 2002

Recorded 3^rd-5^th December, 2001 At Tedesco Studios, Paramus, New Jersey

Personnel:

Melvin Sparks - Rhythm & Lead Guitar, Electric Bass (#7), Vocals (#4,8)

Joe "Herbie J." Hrbek - Alto Saxophone

George Papageorge - Organ [Hammond B-3]

Tim Luntzel - Electric Bass (#1,2,4,6,8) Acoustic Bass (#5,9)

Carter McLean - Drums

Guests:

Topaz - Tenor Saxophone (#3,4,8)

Reuben Wilson - Organ [Hammond B-3] (#6-8)

Tracks:

1. Another Joe {Melvin Sparks} (5:43)

2. What You Hear Is What You Get {Melvin Sparks} (6:29)

3. The Governor {George Papageorge} (5:59)

4. Funky Good Time {James Brown} (6:19)

5. Turnin' Point {Melvin Sparks} (5:57)

6. Matter Of Time {Melvin Sparks} (6:32)

7. Get N' It {Melvin Sparks} (6:50)

8. Money [That's What I Want] {Berry Gordy} (6:44)

9. Breeze {Melvin Sparks} (6:54)

Total Time: 57:27

Credits:

Producer - Mansoor Sabree, Samuel Burick

Engineer - Tom Tedesco

Photography - Dina Perrucci

Design - Keiji Obata, Littlefield & Company

Liner Notes - Bob Putignano [WFDU 'Across the Tracks']