I received "Sparks Fly" a couple months ago. I listened and studied the CD religiously (mostly through headphones during my morning workouts) and am *very* impressed. After reading the Swedish review, I'm moved to write my own (in English).... The fiddle and mandolin are rock solid as always. Bob Mason and Al Byla blend like Siamese twins. Al's fiddle has an ever-present intensity that communicates directly soul-to-soul. Al has a musical style as complex as his own personal history. It includes a strong bluegrass foundation, a south-side Chicago blues influence, lilting Caribbean rhythms, with a gypsy delivery. This is all blended over time to create a style that can only be called "Big Al". This blended with Bob's unconventional Grateful-Dead-meets-Bill-Monroe-on-fire mandolin style creates the signature sound for the band. This is the first that I've gotten a good listen to Mike Schmidt's Banjo work. Really nice! I like Mike's blend of melodic and more traditional banjo styles - a perfect blend with PRSB's untraditional traditional music. Mike's solid sense of time also impresses me. He fires off sixteenth notes like a machine gun. John's bass work is supportive and creative. The acoustic bass gives the band a traditional string band-sound, while his anything-but-traditional bass lines add musical interest. The first song on this CD doesn't simply begin, it EXPLODES! John's delivery of "Take Me Back" is pure electricity. Quite a trick for an acoustic band. I think the CD could have benefited from a couple more such contributions from John. Bill "Kangaroo" Knickrehm (a.k.a. li'l Earnie) is the icing on the cake (with sprinkles). His move to bring in additional percussion instruments has brought more distinction to the variety of music this band covers. Kangaroo's contribution of novelty tunes like "Don't Do It" adds an important dimension to the bands repertoire. "Don't Do It" should be the official theme song of our baby-boom generation. 20 more verses please! Finally, Andy "Trout" Knickrehm. I believe his performance on this CD is his finest hour. Andy establishes himself as a superb balladeer. Andy's love songs moved me. West Wind is a beautiful song with a flawless delivery. It reflects the significant amount of time that this band has spent in Montana and Wyoming. Silent Partners (one of Bob Mason's songs) is another beautiful ballad, that along with West Wind indicates a new and interesting direction for the band. The closing song, Once More, is so beautiful that I was moved to tears. The addition of Lori (Smith) Schmidt on vocals adds significantly to the band's vocal blend. If given the chance, I would vote to make Lori a permanent member. The only thing that seems out of place on this album is Phil Gazell's harmonica. Don't get me wrong, Phil is a great harmonic player and plays well on the CD. I just don't think this album need it. Piper Road has more than enough instrumental talent without pulling in extras. This is a landmark CD for this band. The best thing since Kettle Moraine. Thanks for delivering! Ken Baldauf