Melvin Sparks - I'm Funky Now

2017 CD release.

This would have been his third album for the Westbound group of labels, but after being mastered, and a limited number of acetates produced, it was pulled from the release schedules and apart from one track on a compilation (1999's "Alright! Black American Dance Music From The Disco Era") was never heard.

Recorded in 1976 with the finest Detroit session musicians, it pays lip service to the then-current success of disco, but doesn't pander. Instead what you get is a heavily funky, orchestrated version of his usual style, with some fine grooves and some beautiful mellow moments. The Texas-born guitarist cut his teeth in the organ-based groups of Jack McDuff, Lou Donaldson and Charles Earland before striking out on his own with a series of albums for Prestige, Eastbound and Westbound that are adored by fans of good funky jazz. This is a valuable addition to the collection.