Album Notes

"A wonderful collection of traditional Irish melodies!"

This beautiful collection is an authentic representation of the music of Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). O'Carolan was a blind harpist (influenced by the works of Antonio Vivaldi) who traveled the countryside performing for locals and patrons of the courts in Ireland. Each melody represents a different person that O'Carolan met during his travels. The soaring melodies will make you feel as though you are meeting these people for the first time. The Celtic harp Ms Sparks performs on is the traditional harp used in Celtic music and is uniquely different in sound from the concert pedal harp. This CD includes seventeen O'Carolan melodies and the all time traditional favorite Greensleeves.

The list of people whom Phyllis Taylor Sparks has played for reads like a virtual Who's Who, including the wedding of Natalie Cole, numerous events for Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, and for H.R.H. Prince Edward on his recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Ms. Sparks has played with the Nashville Symphony on their Carnegie Hall Tour and on the Amy Grant 2001 Christmas Tour. Ms. Sparks and her jazz trio, The Dream Machine, have played Nashville's prestigious Swan Ball. She has also accompanied Josh Groban, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan and the legendary Ray Charles. While playing with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Phyllis accompanied Trey Anastasio, of the rock group Phish, at the 2004 Bonnaroo Festival. "That had to be one of the most surreal gigs I've ever played. Being on stage at a world-known music festival in front of 90,000 screaming people was indescribable. Just the roar of the crowd made you feel like you could do anything".

From Dearborn, Michigan, Phylllis Taylor Sparks holds a Masters Degree in Music Performance from the University of Michigan. She is a former member of the Mantovani Orchestra.

Other recordings by Ms Sparks are **NEW** 2009 A Special Celtic Harp Christmas**. Harp Horizons, Heart Strings, I Remember You, and Harp For Christmas.