“Devotion: Music of Healing & Peace” by Rick Sparks
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Rick Sparks is a South Carolina based ASCAP pianist and composer, well-known for his relaxing, quiet music. Rick’s music is heard worldwide on numerous radio stations and streaming outlets, including SiriusXM (Spa Channel), One World Music Radio (OWMR), many NPR stations, and Sleep Radio, to name just a few.
Rick’s new EP, “Devotion,” contains six new original compositions, each bringing a sense of calm, centeredness, healing, and peace. I’m sure we could all use a little of that right about now.
The music on this lovely EP consists of the ethereal angelic choirs Rick is well-known for, along with soft strings, flute, and gentle piano. Here, in about 27 minutes we have a musical refuge of quiet beauty; a retreat and sanctuary from whatever ails you.
The album opens with the title track, which soothes the soul from the get-go. Soft, graceful synth strings lead us into nicely the tranquility. There is a reverence and thoughtfulness throughout, with each carefully crafted note. Angelic choir and nicely placed bell tones add to the peaceful ambiance.
“River of Peace” follows, which feels like a continuance of the preceding quietude. The music on the first track flows effortlessly, like a river, into this one. Flute adds a nice texture and adds to the calming atmosphere.
You should consider getting the whole album for the entire experience, but “My Refuge” is a favorite. Soft piano and angelic choir are accompanied by gentle strings and here we have a pleasant, flowing melody which soothes the entire psyche from the very first notes. If you can’t find refuge here, I don’t know where you will.
Rick’s strong Christian faith inspires much, if not all his music, and I imagine “The Sacrifice” has much to do with this. Quiet and reverent, this feels like something we might hear in Heaven. And here, is where we can literally feel the very depths of “devotion.”
“Be Still and Know” has a venerating vibe and is in continuance of the total peace this music brings. The bell tones are a nice addition to the solemn strings and angel voices. And here with the unhurried cadence of the composition, we are truly brought to “be still.”
The album closes out with another of my favorites, “The Road Home.” Pretty synth strings, soft choir, and later, the calming, beautiful piano give this a hymnlike quality as well as a lullaby feel. This is great music for sleeping, relaxing, healing, meditation, and of course, devotion. “
Get it here: https://ricksparksmusic.net
