So many musicians are reaching out with their beloved music to offer solace and love at a time of terrible World disruption, sadness, and tragedy. Rick Sparks was so moved by the suffering unfolding on a daily basis that he created a most divine collection of songs in Devotion to offer solace and love for those in distress.
From the first notes of the track and title song Devotion, you are swept into a most delightful place of calm, peace and balance reminiscent of the Cloisters used by many religious orders over centuries to offer prayer and comfort to those in distress.
Soft electronic elements of chant-like melodies drift throughout the ether without requiring any form of concentration, wrapping the listener in gentle love and peace. This also binds each song into a continuous thread to accompany prayer and meditation.
River of Peace a gentle, solo piano floats gracefully into the ethereal The Sacrifice, where the use of soft, gentle vocals once again creates the feeling of a deeply spiritual place, where comfort can be found.
Vocals sung softly, combine with piano and a delightful wash of strings, to draw a short refuge of healing to a conclusion in The Road Home, created around the sentiment quoted on the back of the Album cover, “Be still and know that I am God,’ from the beautiful, healing and wise book of Psalms chapter 46:10.
Devotion is a timeless and beautiful album, which offers a prayer for those in distress, those who live in troubled lands, and those facing the hardship of war. It is truly a balm to the weary soul.
Reviewed by Janet Mawdesley
Artist – Rick Sparks
Distributor: Rick Sparks Music
Website: https://ricksparksmusic.net/rick-s-music-store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=OLAK5uy_ne1mcSSsyoX5sOzTnT8NnM5UkXjBAafPQ