Larry Sparks - Travelin'

(Rebel REB-CD-1700) Nov 1992.

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This album was recorded at River Track Studios in Louisa, Kentucky and features fiddle by former CMB Art Stamper and Blue Highway's Shawn Lane.

Another solid effort, although there are no absolute stand-out tracks, there is still plenty to enjoy with the usual mix of new contemporary songs & older obscure chestnuts.

For me the highlights are the opening uptempo Takin' A Slow Train by Leroy Drumm & Cal Freeman; and the reflective A Little Ways Down The Road (also written by Leroy Drumm & Andy Richardson).

Also notable are the version of I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages (which Larry had previously cut on Thank You Lord in 1976 and which Ralph cut on his 1977 Clinch Mountain Gospel LP), and Goin' Up Home To Live In Green Pastures which Larry first cut with Ralph on Over The Sunset Hill.

The version of Charlie Moore's Wheeling also suits Larry's soulful vocal, while Larry digs into The Louvin Brothers' deep back catalogue with You'll Forget; plus Roy Acuff's Do You Wonder Why and Hank Williams' railway tune Pan American.

Two instrumentals are included with Chuck In The Bush showcasing Art Stamper's superb old-time fiddle; and a fast-paced Sally Ann bookcased by Barry Crabtree nimble banjo breaks.

• Larry Sparks: guitar, mandolin, vocals
• Carl Berggren: mandolin
• Barry Crabtree: banjo
• Jerry Gadberry: dobro
• Shawn Lane: fiddle
• Larry D. Sparks: bass
• Art Stamper: fiddle

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