Great artists don’t need to reinvent the wheel to connect with their audience. Often, listeners rely on a certain degree of familiarity to form an emotional connection with the music. However, innovations in music production have made the listening experience more immersive than ever. “There Is Nothing To Be Won but Distance,” the latest offering by Rick Sparkes + The Enablers, fully exploits the aural spectrum available. Every second counts!
“Do it once, do it right” seems to be central to Sparkes’ work. The opening track, “Selkirk,” features tasteful lead guitar and production work. Danny Drouin’s guitar lines pan smoothly from center to left or right, a detail that stands out when listening with headphones, as Sparkes himself noted in a conversation.
Released today, this album takes full advantage of modern technology to create excellent stereo imagery. It’s an immersive experience! The sound wraps you like a warm blanket in winter, thanks to Brent Chaisson, who engineered, mixed, and mastered the album at Studio Dimanche and is also a band member. Chaisson and drummer Chris Daigle provide a solid foundation, shining at times but also holding back when necessary. Ruth Ann MacMurdo’s gorgeous harmonies throughout the album are invaluable, a result of not only technically compatible voices but the right individuals singing together.
From the production work to the quality of the songwriting as well as the arrangements, it’s obvious that nothing was rushed. It’s a work of passion for the medium. Sparkes takes the time to do it right!
While “Car Crash Sequence” is certainly a worthy lead single, “Four Cigarettes” is the album’s biggest earworm for me. It will accompany me for years, much like Tom Petty’s “Highway Companion.” Rick Sparkes + The Enablers also recorded a great rendition of “Sundowntown” by the late Neal Casal, a perfect fit that moved me on first listen. If you’re unfamiliar with Casal’s work, I highly recommend exploring it.
“There Is Nothing to Be Won but Distance” is an invaluable addition to the Rick Sparkes + The Enablers catalogue. It reminded me of the value of full-length albums. Oftentimes, it’s best to take the time to sit down and savour a work of art. After all, this is precisely the way that it was created. I can’t wait to experience it live!
Photo Credit: Jesse Bush
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
