2007 MARCH 16 #075
Dick & Donna Sparks
MP3:
1 Dick & Donna Sparks - Introduction/The Blacksmith Blues/You're Just In Love/Deep Purple (8:55)
2 Dick Sparks with Parke Hill - Anthropology (2:59)
3 Dick & Donna Sparks - I Only Have Eyes (2:42)
4 Dick Sparks - Perhaps (3:01)
5 Dick Sparks - Linda Mover (3:07)
6 Dick & Donna Sparks - Jersey Bounce (2:27)
Dick Sparks (Richard W. Sparks) was the featured organist on Esquivel's final album in 1966, The Genius of Esquivel. Previously, he had played with Esquivel for nearly ten years in Las Vegas. Dick performed with a Hammond B3 and Grand piano, often playing both at once.
Donna Sparks got her start in a band called the Hank Dominco Quartet. The band never released any music on any label. They did, however, make at least one home recording off the radio from an appearance on a W.E.L.D. radio broadcast. When appearing on stage with her husband, Donna sang and played percussion.
Here featured is a mix of live lounge/supper recordings (some broadcast live on local radio), and home recordings.
Thanks to Brother Cleve for providing more information on Dick and Donna.
- Contributed by: Phil Nohl
Images: Label (track 1), Label (track 2), Label (track 3), Label (track 5)
Track 1 - Dick & Donna Sparks:
Media: Soundcraft Audition Full-Spectrum 12" acetate recorded at 33 1/3 rpm
Writing on Label: Dick & Donna Sparks, KGNC Bdcast #3, Amarillo, TX, May 1952
Track information: (1) KGNC Announcer introduces the show at The New Cavalier supper club at 1404 10th Ave. West, Amarillo, TX (after he promotes the joint). The announcer refers to Dick & Donna as the "famous Eastern Duo". (2) The Blacksmith Blues with Donna on vocals. (3) Announcer introduces "You're Just In Love" from Call Me Madame. Donna is on the drum. (4) Announcer introduces Peter DeRose's "Deep Purple". Donna sings.
Track 2 - Dick Sparks with Parke Hill:
Media: Soundcraft Playback 12" acetate recorded at 33 1/3 rpm
Scratched into disc: Anthropology
Track information: Dick Sparks: organ/piano. Parke Hill: electric guitar
Track 3 - Dick & Donna Sparks:
Media: Audiodisc 10" acetate recorded at 33 1/3 rpm
Writing on Label: I Only Have Eyes
Track information: Donna Sparks: Dick Sparks: organ/piano. Parke Hill: electric guitar. 1954
Track 4 - Dick Sparks:
Media: Audiodisc 12" acetate recorded at 33 1/3 rpm
Writing on Label: Perhaps - Dick Sparks organ & piano, Medart's, St. Louis, May, 1951
Track 5 - Dick Sparks:
Media: Audiodisc 12" acetate recorded at 33 1/3 rpm (flip side of track 4)
Writing on Label: Linda Mover - Dick Sparks organ & piano, Medart's, St. Louis, May, 1951
Track 6 - Dick & Donna Sparks:
Writing on Label: Jersey Bounce, January 1948 (a living room home recording)
