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‘Speak Peace’ new album by Rick Sparks at Peaceful Radio Internet Station

7 June 2022 Artists

Greenville, SC (6/1/2022) – Pianist/composer Rick
Sparks has just released his latest quiet-music
album, Speak Peace.
Featuring a mix of piano, strings, flute and angelic
voices, Speak Peace is Rick’s response to increasing
levels of conflict and stress in the world, from the
Covid pandemic to the war in Ukraine. According to
Rick, “I’m so grateful for the power of music to help
replenish our spirits through beauty & peace. That
is essentially the hope of my music in general and for Speak Peace in particular.”
The album’s lead single, Prayer for Ukraine, is currently #6 on One World Music
Radio’s Top-100 singles chart for April. In Rick’s words, “I felt compelled to release
the single in the hope of fostering support & prayer for Ukraine.” All proceeds
from the single are being donated to World Vision’s Ukraine relief operation.
Speak Peace will be available by June 1 for streaming or download from all major
digital outlets.
Recent reviews for Rick’s music include “Graceful and stunningly beautiful.” –
Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com; “Timeless… enchanting.” – Blue Wolf Reviews,
Australia; “Very healing, with wisdom, elegance & innocence.” – Dyan Garris,
Zone Music Reporter; “Rich & rewarding.” – BT Fasmer, New Age Music Guide;
“Simply great new-age music – immerse yourself in these sounds.” – Buzz Music.
Rick’s desire as an artist is to “create music that replenishes the spirit with beauty
and peace.”

His quiet-music albums are heard worldwide on broadcast and online
outlets, including SiriusXM Spa, Music Choice Soundscapes, Amazon Music,Apple/iTunes and Spotify. Rick’s music is represented by Ed and Stacey Bonk of LAZZ Promotions (lazzpromotions@lazzpromotions.com).
Rick Sparks Music: www.ricksparksmusic.net

In January of this year, I began work on Speak Peace, my
8th studio album. Little did I know that a terrible war in
Ukraine would soon begin. In the face of war, the Covid
pandemic and other major issues in our world, I
recorded Speak Peace with hope that these songs of
beauty and peace might help strengthen and replenish
our spirits.
The beautiful field of poppies on the album cover is a reference to Poppy
(Remembrance) Day in the U.K. and Memorial Day in the U.S., when poppies are
worn to memorialize the nations’ war dead and symbolize the hope for peace.
1. Speak Peace: The title track sets the mood for the album with
majestic strings and angelic voices speaking peace to the listener.
Just as we all yearn to experience peace, we help create peace
(or not) with the words we say, the memes we use, the music we
make. “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
2. Harvest Moon: Neil Young’s beautiful tribute to lasting love
has been a favorite of mine ever since its 1992 release. I framed
the simple melody and chords with light synthesizer rhythm, flute
and angelic voices. It’s a perfect fit for Speak Peace and the first
of two cover songs on the album.
3. Little Princess: There is a whimsical, almost music-box feel to
this song that speaks to the innocence & joy in every little girl’s
heart. The photo I chose for the single was a great inspiration for
the song!
4. Dragonfly Dance: The imagery of dragonflies dancing in the air
suggests beauty and wonder, along with a lightness that I tried to
capture with a series of simple piano arpeggios framed by strings
and voices.
5. Lass of Inverness: A nod to my Scottish heritage with a gentle
waltz in ¾ time. Journey with me to the Scottish highlands in this
romantic tune dedicated to the lovely lass from Inverness.
6. 1912 Waltz: The piano waltz I would have written in 1912 for
my grandmother Matilda’s wedding, had I been around then. I
think she would have loved it. The first of two piano solos on the
album.
7. A Love That Lasts: My quiet piano celebration of the lifelong
love I’ve known with my wife now for 46 years, a combination of
beauty, wonder and gentleness. She speaks peace to my heart
every day.
8. Prayer for Ukraine: The lead single from the album begins with
a somber cello solo. I felt compelled to compose this tribute to the
people of Ukraine as we pray for their deliverance from the horror
of war. All proceeds from the single are being donated to World
Vision’s Ukraine relief fund.
9. End of Day: As the day winds down and night approaches, the
pace of nature slows with a quietness that speaks peace. The 2nd
of two piano solos on the album.
10. We Wait Upon the King: The arrival of a king who rules with
kindness and justice was always the hope of every nation in
antiquity. The ethereal beauty of this song was inspired by the
Biblical prophecy in Revelation that Christ will someday return to
earth as King.
11. Auld Lang Syne: From the poignant lyrics of Robert Burns to
the bittersweet Scottish melody (of which I include both versions),
I close the album with this favorite tribute to friendships of days
gone by.

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