Eventide is the first album from Rick Sparks in two years (his twelfth plus some singles since 2014), and what a peaceful, soothing album it is! I’ve actually fallen asleep a couple of times while listening to it, so I can tell you personally that this is truly calming and uplifting music! I’ve been reviewing Rick’s releases since his 2014 debut, Endless, and he and his music have become favorites that I always look forward to. As far as I can tell, Rick is the only musician (piano and keyboards) on the album, but the orchestral and vocal (wordless) sounds are exceptional with lush strings and rich choral voices. With the whole world in such a chaotic mess, this truly is music to replenish your soul - something Rick is exceptionally good at! Even the titles are warm and peaceful, offering hope as well as nearly an hour of quiet music.

Eventide begins with the title track, a classic Rick Sparks tune with strings, choral voices, piano and keyboard combining to create a gentle mind massage as the music flows smoothly and effortlessly from start to finish. “The Presence of Love” starts out with a gentle, child-like innocence, moving slowly with a relaxed sense of purpose. Piano, voices and shimmering strings create musical magic! “Mykonos” is named for a classic Greek-island stop that is world-renowned for its glamorous nightlife, vibrant beach clubs, and iconic 16th-century windmills. Smooth and very peaceful, it is easy to imagine warm sunshine and gentle waves lapping at the shore. “Sea Wind” is just as soothing and is also more ambient. Flute, piano, voices and shimmering strings take us on a journey of calm on “A Time To Heal.” “Barcelona Nights” is my favorite track with piano and strings playing a gently mysterious melody over a classic Spanish rhythm and choral voices. Flute is added mid-way through the piece, adding another dimension to the soothing sounds. I really like this one! On “Dream Rain,” keyboard creates the sound and rhythm of a gentle rain while strings and voices swirl around it - hypnotic! At just over 6 1/2 minutes, “Every Hope” is the longest piece on the album and is very easy to get pleasantly lost in. It starts with an effortless piano melody accompanied by strings, and choral voices. The flute takes the soothing melody later in the piece along with the voices, bringing it to a beautiful close. A short a capella prelude leads into the warm and encouraging “Give To the Winds Your Fears,” most of which features piano/keyboard, strings, bells and voices. Almost a lullaby, the music surrounds you like a warm hug. “A Quiet Heart” brings the album to peaceful close, but I strongly recommend using the “repeat” button to replay the full album to keep the warmth and serenity going! Thank you, Rick Sparks!!!

Eventide is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. CDs are available from Amazon as well as on Rick’s website. Very highly recommended for a beautiful musical escape any time you want or need one! Both thumbs up!