MELVIN SPARKS Hassan - Akilah! (1972

Allah Ya Raham Rahim: Rest In Peace

The late 70s and 80s were a quieter but content time for Sparks: he converted to Islam and a drug-free lifestyle, focused on local jazz gigs and his wedding band, worked in his home studio and as a producer elsewhere, and raised four daughters and one son. However, in the 90s Sparks discovered that his recordings had become popular abroad and that American jambands were playing his music. He promptly launched a band and hit the road.

 
March 2011 - Melvin Sparks, guitarist on numerous soul-jazz and organ combo dates from the late 60s onwards, died on 13 March 2011 of complications from diabetes, aged 64.

Born on 22 March 1946 and influenced by, among others, Grant Green, he was heard mostly as a rhythm guitarist and occasional soloist, particularly with Hank Crawford, Charles Earland, Jimmy McGriff and Lou Donaldson.

Latterly he worked with such younger exponents of the organ combo as Joey DeFrancesco. He recorded widely for the Prestige and Savant labels.

Melvin Sparks (he later adopted the surname Sparks-Hassan) was born in Houston on March 22, 1946, into a musical family. His mother owned a cafe that featured weekly jam sessions. Two of his brothers were professional musicians. Mr. Sparks was 11 when he got his first guitar.

Melvin Sparks Allowed His Music to Transcend Race and Religion





by Dennis Day on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:29pm

I attended the funeral of Melvin Sparks Hassan today, in Mt. Vernon, New York, 20 miles north of Manhattan. Melvin was a devout Muslim. He passed Tuesday, March 15th. suffering a heart attack at home, he was 64 years old.

It was a very interesting learning experience for non-Muslims like me. I learned about some aspects of the Islamic faith that were unfamiliar to me , particularly regarding sacred burial customs. America is a remarkably diverse place. Our nation’s diversity is its strength. As global citizens we must actively pursue experiences that broaden our individual and collective understanding of one another .

Sadly many of our citizens balk at learning about others customs and beliefs. It therefore becomes easier to demonize and cast those not sharing the majority’s beliefs and practices as so called “others” even when the “other” represents over a billion human beings on the planet. Many great musicians and friends paid their respects to the Texas born guitarist. They represented every creed : Jews, Muslims, Christians, race, gender and nationality. Melvin's new band consists of young white musicians whose love and devotion for this gentle soul was apparent, Sparks is regarded as one who helped pioneer the genre known as Acid Jazz. Band members attempted to hold back tears of grieve when sharing memories and amusing stories of long hours traveling on the road together. The guitarist and band leader’s impact on his young charges was highlighted in terms of his being caring but stern father figure. He was described as a wonderful mentor, teacher and wise disciplinarian. Recalling their leader as one infused with a joy for life, love of music and friendship proved too over whelming . Their tears flowed as the audience listened but ceased after a vibrant musical jam session and repast in celebration of Melvin’s remarkable life .

Melvin never seemed to wear his faith on his sleeve, he lived it with a generous and buoyant spirit. Having known and gigged with Melvin over the years, I’m hopeful and believe that racial and religious tolerance are achievable. He left a fine example for his fellow Muslims, and Non- Muslims alike to immulate in terms of learning to respect and value others solely on the basis of the content of their character.

At the repast, I was privileged to sing with Nathan Lucas the wonderful Hammond B3 organist and a fine trio anchored by drummer, Jessie "Cheese" Hamin before an appreciative gathering of family, artists and hosts of friends. It was a beautiful home going celebration. RIP



Brother Sparks Family

In addition to Ms. Judy Hassan, Mr. Sparks is survived by four daughters: Akilah Waldrond of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Aisha Sparks of Greenburgh, N.Y., Idrissa Sparks of White Plains, and Elizabeth Lockwood of Mount Vernon; a son, Melvin Hassan Jr., of Mount Vernon; and 13 grandchildren

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/arts/music/melvin-sparks-soul-guitarist-dies-at-64.html?ref=arts/&_r=0

http://www.sparkplugband.com/#!melvin

As a solo artist for Prestige Records, his albums included "Sparks" (1970), "Sparkplug" (1971), "Texas Twister)" (1974), "Sparkling" (1981), "I'm a Gitter Play" (1997) and "Groove On Up" (2005). He also appeared on a number of advertising campaigns and television commercials. He died from complications of diabetes.

In the so-called “Acid Jazz” era of the ‘90’s, Sparks underwent a bit of a career renaissance. Sparks! and Spark Plug were compiled on one CD as a part of Prestige’s Legends of Acid Jazz series, which got him some new attention.Sparks then recorded his first sides as a leader in almost two decades (most for Savant Records) and as the work came again for the other old soul-jazz cats, they gave Sparks a call. During the ‘90’s and early 2000’s he backed Donaldson and Earland again; as well as Jimmy McGriff, Hank Crawford and relative newcomer Joey DeFrancesco.He was still going strong until recently, bringing joy to multiple generations with his still nimble playing, as you can see in the clip below. He was a part of an era of jazz that many people unfortunately, try to forget. But Melvin Sparks should be remembered.MELVIN SPARKS Hassan - Akilah! (1972) Named after his daughter Akilah.Backing him up were Leon Spencer, Idris Muhammad, Buddy Caldwell, Virgil Jones, Sonny Fortune, Frank Wess, Ernie Royal, George Coleman, Dave Hubbard and Hubert Laws. An upbeat Love The Life You Live sets the perfect mood for the album. On The Up is a little more dirtier funky Jazz. All Wrapped Up is also a good number.