Way Back When kicks off with Larry Sparks’ characteristic booming Martin guitar and soulful singing nostalgically about simpler times that emphasized love, kindness and family. The opening title track and “The Fields of Gettysburg” (both written by Gary Ferguson) are about as close as Larry comes to contemporary repertoire on this ten-track offering.  From Ohio, but now based in Indiana, Larry began singing and playing bluegrass when he was five years old, learning guitar from his sister.

In 1965, at age 18, he took his first professional job as guitarist with The Stanley Brothers, replacing George Shuffler. After Carter died in December 1966, Larry took over as lead vocalist with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. In 1969, he formed his band The Lonesome Ramblers, which has undergone numerous and frequent personnel changes over the years. The two-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year is also a member of IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and it’s interesting to note that Larry not only sings lead but also some harmony (baritone and bass) vocals on this project.

A devoted Hank Williams fan, this album ends on a gospel note, in ¾-time, with Williams’ “How Can You Refuse Him Now?” We also hear him cover old favorite songs from Arthur Smith (“A Daddy’s Lullaby”), Gene Autry (“Ages and Ages Ago”), and Lester Flatt “Come Back Darling”). Standout tracks include “Tennessee Border,” “Way Back When,” “Ages and Ages Ago,” and “Since I Met You Baby.” “Sleepin’ Lula” is a joyous and playful instrumental that puts the spotlight on the mandolin, banjo and fiddle. For traditional bluegrass music lovers, this collection delivers the goods -- heartfelt new material, classic covers, and gospel favorites.  The rest of the band includes Evan Wilson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Tyler Mullins (banjo), Michael Feagan (fiddle), Larry D. Sparks (bass), Ron Stewart (fiddle and banjo on “Since I Met You Baby”). At age 78, Larry Sparks is still on top of his game and in fine musical form as he revisits a time Way Back When. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)