Sparks and Seeds

"If you love singers and the art of song, Sparks and Seeds is essential listening."

"Sprague has been a beacon — drawing in the very finest vocalists in Southern California to collaborate with…"

"This music is incredibly sophisticated and extremely well produced."

"Lisa’s performance on “Rain” brings me to tears almost every time."

"Jade completely dominates her four contributions. Her smoky alto hits every note dead center and her emotional interpretation of Phillips’ lyrics make the listener believe every single word."

San Diego Troubadour review 2018
Robert Bush
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I love writing songs that find their way into the voices of singers. Not only do you get the element of harmony and melody but you also get the beauty of rhyme and a story being told through words. 

Randy Phillips and I have been writing songs together for many years and some of my favorite compositions are the ones that we’ve created together. We have a similar vision of the music and the world and it makes the process of creation joyous and smooth. 

 

For this record we decided to bring together our songs that are gentle in nature, soothing and inspiring. Before I discovered Miles Davis I was listening to the music of Crosby Stills, and Nash, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles. These artists have a big influence in my composing. After all of these years I still resonate with this style of music and if you give me an open stringed G chord and a flat pick to strum with, I can experience nirvana.

 

We gathered some beautiful vocalists to give the songs their wings, we lassoed in the gifted studio musician posse to lay it down, and we’re thrilled that this gentle collection of music is making it’s way to you.

 

thanks for listening, Peter

July, 2018

 

A note from Randy:

 

As a lyricist, it has always amazed me how many musicians and lovers of music tell me (when I ask them) how, most of the time, they hardly notice the lyrics of a song – It’s primarily the music that speaks to them. For me, it’s the story. I love the sound of poetry fleshed out in the lift and fall of well composed music enhanced by a power that lies far beyond words.

 

Occasionally, as I listen, something sparks inside of me; a lyrical or musical moment ignites something within, something luminous,

undefinable. Sometimes a particular phrase in a song resonates so deeply, it’s as if a small seed has planted itself within me, only to take root and sprout later in surprising, unexpected ways… Sparks and seeds.

 

It is in this spirit we offer you this collection of ballads.

 

My most heartfelt gratitude to all of the stellar musicians who have contributed their talents to this project, and to the world class singers who have made them their own and literally breathed life into them – Rebecca, Lisa, Leonard, Emily, and Allison. Thank you.

 

And thank you especially to Peter, my creative genius co-conspirator on the path… There are no words.

 

This record is dedicated to my beloved Patrick and Alex without whom, none of this would exist. You light up and deepen my life, you are my constant inspiration, my greatest joy, my heart.

 

Randy Phillips

June, 2018

 

 

Sparks and Seeds

Emily Elbert — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Too Far Down

Leonard Patton — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars

Justin Grinnell — bass

 

Whispers of 4 am

Lisa Hightower — vocal

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Barnaby Finch — piano

Kevin Hennessy — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

Marsha Bookstein — cello

 

Stones 

Rebecca Jade — vocal

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Steve Kujala — flute

Tina Tourin — harp

Marsha Bookstein — cello

 

Big Easy Chair

Emily Elbert — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Mudra

Leonard Patton — vocals 

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Far Away

Randy Phillips — vocal 

Peter Sprague — guitars

 

Full Moon’s Daughter

Rebecca Jade — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Barnaby Finch — piano

Kevin Hennessy — bass

Duncan Moore — drums and percussion

Marsha Bookstein — cello

 

Somewhere Up The Street

Emily Elbert — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Calling Me Home

Leonard Patton — vocals 

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Josh Nelson — piano

Darek Oles — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Lee’s Summit 

Rebecca Jade — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

You Were Never Mine

Allison Adams Tucker — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

Down To The Bone

Rebecca Jade — vocals

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Kevin Hennessy — bass

Tommy Aros — percussion

 

Rain  

Lisa Hightower — vocals 

Peter Sprague — guitars and orchestration

Gunnar Biggs — bass

Duncan Moore — drums

 

All songs: music by Peter Sprague and lyrics by Randy Phillips              

© Satyam Music / BMI and © Blue Violet Music / ASCAP

 

Produced by Peter Sprague

Recorded at SpragueLand Studios, Encinitas, CA / 2018

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Peter Sprague at SpragueLand Studios

Art direction, design, and photos by RixGraphix

Cover art by Annika Nelson

Special thanks to our families and friends.

 

For more information on other Peter Sprague recordings and books, visit petersprague.com or email peter@petersprague.com

For song lyrics visit Randy Phillips at VioletStarRecordings.com