We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Sparrow Sings for Lovers

by The Mighty Sparrow

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $7 USD  or more

     

1.
2.
Hucklebuck 02:42
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Rose 05:49
10.
11.
12.
El Reloj 03:19

about

In 1963 The Mighty Sparrow recorded this album of pop standards and a few originals. This collection proves that Sparrow could croon like Brook Benton and serve up ballads with velvet tones reminiscent of Nat “King” Cole. (Sparrow admired both singers.)

Clearly RCA Victor thought Sparrow deserved a shot at extending his audience beyond the calypso market and crossing over into the broader pop field. As Sparrow's smooth and confident vocals prove, RCA's optimism was valid, even if the campaign eventually proved futile. To this day Sparrow is largely ignored outside the Caribbean communities.

"Maria" and "Rose," both of which Sparrow composed, became Sparrow standards, each re-recorded a number of times and performed countless times. "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" was originally a hit for Connie Francis. "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "The Great Pretender," two often-recorded pop treasures, are given sensitive, emotional—and convincing—treatments by Sparrow.

The only misfire is "Hucklebuck," which is no one's idea of a love song. Sparrow's take on this R&B standard should have been placed on another album. It's not bad, but it's simply out of place and disrupts an otherwise solid thematic album.

credits

released June 13, 2019

Erasmus Black Records
Issued under exclusive license from Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow)

"Maria," "Yvonne Sorry Now," and "Rose" by Slinger Francisco
© Railroad Town Music / Zalytron Music (BMI)

"If I Had a Girl" by Tepper/Bennett
"Hucklebuck" by Gibson/Alfred
"My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" by Greenfield/Keller
"Save the Last Dance For Me" by Doc Pomus/Mort Schuman
"Todo Me Gusta de Ti" by Esteves
"Hither, Thither and Yon" by Schreoder/Gold
"The Great Pretender" by Buck Ram
"Love Me As Though There Were No Tomorrow" by Adamson/McHugh
"El Reloj" by Roberto Cantoral

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Mighty Sparrow Trinidad and Tobago

He's not the Elvis of Calypso. He's not the Sinatra of Calypso. He's not the Beatles, Dylan, James Brown, or Brian Wilson of Calypso. He's the MIGHTY SPARROW. Often categorized as "World Music," for Sparrow the classification "World" is simply too small. We're working with Slinger Francisco (Sparrow) to preserve his recorded legacy. All releases digitally restored from best available sources. ... more

contact / help

Contact The Mighty Sparrow

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like The Mighty Sparrow, you may also like: