The Melvin Sparks Band- December 21rst, 2002
w/ Cheme Gastelum
Born into a musical family in 1946 in Houston, TX, Melvin Sparks taught himself to play, compose, and arrange music for guitar after only six months of lessons. He began playing professionally at 16 with a band called the Midnighters. In 1964, Sparks left school to join the Upsetters, who were currently backing up big name acts like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Otis Redding. While on the road with the Upsetters, Sparks decided to make his home in NYC and pursue other personal endeavors. There he played with musical geniuses like Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, keyboardist Lonnie Smith, and alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson. Donaldson quickly became Sparks' mentor, taking away from the roots of traditional jazz to the lure of funk and soul. Using a special mix of his background and influences, Sparks continues to work hard to play music for the people.
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Band Information
Melvin Sparks — Guitar
George Papageorge — B3
Joe (Herbie J) Hrbek — Alto Sax
Cater McLean — Drums
Derek Layes — Bass

Cheme Gastelum — Sax