Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Bluegrass Veteran, Larry Sparks Nominated for 'Impact Award'

BMNN wrote: on Sep. 04, 2009:

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce Larry Sparks will appear during the National Quartet Convention (NQC), gospel music's largest annual event, held at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville, KY September 13-19, 2009. Sparks will perform Thursday, September 17, 2009 during the Bluegrass Pickin' Jamboree, hosted by Les Butler at the Freedom Hall between 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. The Jamboree will include the Front Porch Fellowship Bluegrass Gospel Fan Awards where Sparks is one of five nominated for the Impact Award, given to secular artists contributing to bluegrass gospel music.

Les Butler, host of the Front Porch Fellowship Syndicated Radio Show, as well as the NQC Bluegrass Jamboree, stated, "I am especially excited about this year's special guest. Larry Sparks is my favorite traditional bluegrass lead singer. It's obvious to me that bluegrass gospel music is special to him. This is going to be an extraordinary Jamboree."

Named as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)) Male Vocalist of the Year (2004, 2005) and winner of both IBMA Album of the Year and IBMA Recorded Event of the Year honors in 2007, legendary veteran Larry Sparks kicks off the new Rural Rhythm Christian label with his new release I Just Want to Thank You Lord on October 20, 2009. "Lost, found and improved with a fresh new life" is how Larry describes the release of this Gospel album. Originally recorded several years ago with his band The Lonesome Ramblers; Scott Napier (mandolin), Josh McMurray (banjo) and Mathew Madden (bass), Larry Sparks wanted to record a very special gospel album that would address the spiritual needs of everyday people with songs that touch your heart, inspire your life and faith!

Larry Sparks was honored as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005, and winner of both IBMA Album of the Year and IBMA Recorded Event of the Year honors in 2007. "Having this album as the first album release on the new Rural Rhythm Christian label is a blessing and a real stoke of good timing," says Larry. "Lost, found and improved with a fresh new life" is how he describes this album recorded several years ago with his band, The Lonesome Ramblers. Larry has been very hands on in the development of this new release including going back into the studio and creating a new soulful ballad version of the title track. He also supervised the song sequencing, mastering, packaging, plus served as album producer.

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