Melvin Sparks RIP

RIP Melvin Sparks - March 22, 1946 to March 15, 2011. Guitarist Melvin Sparks is better known in jazz circles, but he occupied that wonderful "Jazz meets Blues " niche and excelled as a guitarist. He released a number of albums for the influential Prestige Records, later recording for Savant Records. He appeared on several recordings with musicians including Lou Donaldson, Charles Earland, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer and Johnny Hammond Smith. he was known as a leading light of the "Acid Jazz" movement. Last year he did a memorable performance at Bob Porter's 70th birthday party with a set that included sit ins by Duke Robillard, Shemekia Copeland, Lou Donaldson, and many others. To hear his extra cool version of "Thank You", a single on the Prestige label produced by Bob Porter, click here.