CCMusic.com

Keyboardist, composer and arranger BOBBY SPARKS II's new album is simply a masterpiece. Double CD in a three-part digipack with a 12-page booklet and triple LP (180 grams) in a triple gatefold with printed inner sleeves on LEOPARD. For two hours and 20 minutes, the Texan uninterruptedly presents a firework of musicality, spontaneity, powerful solos and great arrangements on "Paranoia". Funk, rock, soul, ballads and jazz are the components of this journey through the African-American musical universe of BOBBY SPARKS II. He is supported by such great colleagues as CHRIS POTTER, MIKE STERN, LIZZ WRIGHT, DEAN BROWN, JOHN SCOFIELD, MARK LETTIERI, the NPG HORNS and many, many more. The culmination of his career to date, "Paranoia" is a new highlight from the extremely gifted and remarkably prolific musician who has brought his lifelong musical experience, expertise and inspiration to this uniquely mammoth work. Known for the Grammy-winning SNARKY PUPPY and his numerous collaborations with top-class artists such as HERBIE HANCOCK, GEORGE DUKE, LALAH HATHAWAY, KIRK WHALUM or ROY HARGROVE's fusion band RH FACTOR, SPARKS II even brings it's musical origins, church music, into this "funk Opera" with one