Tim Sparks Workshop and Concert

The Music Emporium is thrilled to offer a workshop and concert by the extraordinary guitarist Tim Sparks.  Despite his busy schedule teaching, recording, writing and filming educational materials, and touring the globe, Tim has offered to spend some quality time at the Music Emporium in his only Boston area appearance.

Tim Sparks won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championships in 1993 and has since gone on to record an amazing body of work.  He has shared cd space with some of the most respected guitarists working today, notably Marc Ribot and Bill Frisell.  Tim has carved out a unique niche for himself by reinterpreting Jewish music for solo guitar and chamber ensembles on John Zorn’s Tzadik label.  Tim’s compositions are unlike anything else in the guitar repertoire and are fascinating examples of the limitless possibilities of the instrument.  Darkly romantic and technically brilliant, his songs are models of gifted arrangement and inspired improvisation.

Both the workshop and the concert will be an opportunity to revel in Tim’s vast musical vocabulary.  The workshop will focus on 2 tunes each from Tim's last two albums, the blues focuesd "Sidewalk Blues" and the Jewish themed "Little Princess."  This is also a time to get Tim’s advice on any musical questions you may have on arranging, improvising, or performing.

The concert is a chance to hear Tim at his best.  He will perform a repertoire that focuses on his Jewish and Balkan themed music for the  for the Tzadik label, which includes the compilation of recordings for Masada Guitars as well as his four subsequent solo albums.  Tim hasn't performed some of these pieces since their original recording dates and this will be a comprehensive look at his impressive back catalog.  If it is anything like his last appearance here it promises to be a show that is quite simply not to be missed and is guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor.

Don’t just take our word for it. Leo Kottke had the following to say about Tim Sparks, “I'm Tim Sparks' biggest fan. His stuff is very difficult to play but it doesn't sound difficult. I think that's real musicianship. He's really one of the best musicians I know.”  Bill Frisell said of Spark’s album Neshamah, “Tim Sparks is incredible, a complete original.  Every guitarist on the planet has got to hear this.”

The concert will be held after the workshop and is free to all workshop attendees.

When: Sunday June 13th

Workshop: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Cost: $30
Concert: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Cost: $10 (free to workshop attendees)
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