“Tori Sparks is an expressive singer brimming with Soul, Country, Rock, and even Flamenco influences… Like Sheryl Crow, only better and more versatile. Tori Sparks is a musical daredevil who heats up the room, whether she's playing solo or with her band.”
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Oliver Funke, Holsteinischer Courier (Germany)
“Tori Sparks is unique... in Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark she takes you from up in the heavens to the depths, to a motel with sunlight filtering in through the dusty blinds and a Blble on the nightstand... ”
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Jorge Salas, Muzikalia (Spain)
“Worth discovering!”
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Redacteur, La Spike de Lyc Music (France)
“[Tori Sparks’] Come Out Of The Dark… [and] Until Morning is actually a very varied picture, with solid Latin rock, jazzy, country, and folky numbers. Sparks shines here … a lovely collection of Americana that is very enjoyable. Sample it yourself and you’ll hear how versatile she is.”
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Holly M., Moors Magazine
“Tori Sparks knows her craft so well that she is able to maintain our focus during the nearly two hours of her live show… the presence of her deep voice and serious lyrical drama accentuated and emphasized by the right musical arrangement. She showed a sense of spectacle typical of some North American artists who care not only the songs, but about how to fill the space between them… Her strong personality could be the trick that will guarantee her prominent place in the music scene.
”
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Fran Cea, Rock Live (Spain)
“Tori Sparks is an American artist who has recently traded Nashville for Barcelona, but she spends most of her days traveling all over the world. Her live shows awaken a huge range of emotions in the audience, from the most joyful, spontaneous laughter to the deepest sense of sadness.”
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Redactor Cultural, El Periodico de Aragon (Spain)
“Her music is a fusion of blues, rock, folk, and jazz, even a little country... Tori Sparks is known internationally for her artistic commitment and for her independent spirit.”
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D.N., Diario de Navarra (Spain)
“As suggested by the title [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark], the fourteen songs are divided by the dichotomy between the night and the morning, light and shadow, and muscially between Rock and Folk. Guided by Tori's robust and versatile voice, and a praiseworthy narrative sense, the songs reflect the distinct emotional atlas of their composer.”
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Jordi Meya, RockZone (Spain)
“The eternal dichotomy between day and night… the good and the evil is the concept behind Tori Sparks’ double album, released in the era of the neosingle priced at ninety-nine cents… The young and prolific activist from Chicago… has knocked on the doors of voices who still believe in real roots rock, such as Shawn Mullins and Mike Farris… in order to give us a record that harkens back to Petty, a bit of Crowes, with vocal forays into the stylistic territories of Stipe and Benetar.
”
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Jordi Torrents, Ruta 66 (Spain)
“American Tori Sparks is well-known on the Americana scene. She is a singer-songwriter - but one of those who redeems her own material with courage, and above all a coherent vision. It is that - combined with an obvious songwriting talent and a flair for surrounding herself with solid musicians - that makes her music so interesting… The music emerges as forceful and significant… Characterized by a fascinating, raw vocals… and terrific riffs.
”
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Ivan Rod,, Gaffa (Denmark)
“ ‘Until Morning' reflects the dark side of Tori’s vocal and songwriting skill, while 'Come Out Of The Dark' is a little lighter regarding the songwriting and also touches more the Americana/Folk side... Without a doubt, this is high quality music and let’s hope her upcoming non-stop touring throughout 2012 in support of 'Until Morning/Come Out Of The Dark' will pay off and give her the credit she deserves. 8.5 of 10 stars.”
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Gabor Kleinbloesem, Strutterzine (Netherlands)
“Tori Sparks was born in America, but now lives in Barcelona, and is an artist with an already remarkable career… Tori plays numerous concerts with and without a band ... this time she came alone [to play in Tarragona] with a pair of acoustics… and the percussion provided by her stomping feet. Obviously an experienced performer, Tori knows how to effectively "fill" each moment of the concert with songs and anecdotes, presenting herself and her music with a combination of sensitivity and humor… Tori’s unique voice combined with her elegant way of playing the guitar was more than enough to convey all the emotion you could ask for, proving that sometimes it few tools in the right hands are enough to move an audience.
”
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David Areste,, Metal Symphony (Spain)
“Folk, Country, and Americana are all within the talents of Tori Sparks, a prominent figure in the US music scene now living in Barcelona… the first half her new double-pack album [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is dark and sophisticated bluesy rock… the second is more folk, traditional and emotional, and shows off her captivating voice. Two sides of a very valuable coin.
”
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Diamond Jim, This is Rock (Spain)
“Tori Sparks, in just a few months living in Barcelona (the Raval) has seduced us with her voice on numerous occasions in live concerts… Her hard work has recently brought to light another self-produced album, Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark, which maintains her stamp of superior quality …Her musical vision, earthiness, and ability to give meaning to the everyday world around us guarantees that her reputation will only continue to grow.”
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Albert Roca Lara, BarcelonaMusic (Spain)
"[Tori Sparks] is not new on the music scene, but the release of her fourth disc [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] could mean a rebirth... and the definitive take-off for her. Her concept is very original."
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Toni Castarnado, MondoSonoro
“In the time that I’ve known Tori Sparks, there’s been more than one occasion when I’ve wondered if she was an actual person or possibly an amalgamation of fact and fiction like a legendary folklore character. In other words, she’s epic. Sparks is a classic troubadour who melds verse and melody to create emotionally driven literary vignettes that engage, seduce and enrich with a preternatural prowess.
”
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Allen Foster, Lower Southampton Patch (US)
“Tori Sparks never leaves you feeling indifferent... her strong personality comes through in all of her work. She is well worth discovering.”
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G.D., Sur La Route de Memphis
“[Tori Sparks] is more than special... a mix of folk and 'country' with a touch of rock.”
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Laura Fernandez, El Mundo (Spain)
“Tori Sparks has a great voice and uses it with intensity and force…There is a concept behind the separation of the two discs that I like… Until Morning reflects [Tori’s] dark and sensual side, and Come Out Of This Dark is filled with hope and faith. …Her lyrics are an integral aspect of her songs and well worth studying.”
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Georg Ryttman, Countrywood (Sweden)
“A great vocalist with a strong and distinctive style... evocative lyrics and catchy tunes... [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is a very thoughtful album with lyrics straight from the heart.”
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RW, Rock Society Magazine
“Tori Sparks, who has transplanted herself from Nashville to Barcelona... blends all styles of music, from rock to country to jazz, resulting in an aggressive yet sensual sound. ”
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Editor Cultural, Contrapunt (Spain)
“Until Morning is dark and sensuous… expertly written and sung by Tori. Come Out of the Dark is absolutely joyous, uplifting vocals and tender ballads… Tori Sparks has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, but Bonnie is not in the same league as this lady when it comes to passionate lyrical songwriting, but mind you she is a damn good slide player.
”
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Bob Bonsey,, BluesMatters (UK)
“Tori Sparks is an American born and bred singer/songwriter who left the musical comforts of Nashville and headed to Barcelona. That is a gutsy move and can only help broaden her already extensive musical palette. Sparks has a soulful style and a wide, wide range. The worldly influences are clearly evident here from the gutsy Americana based folk rock to lounge room soul to the tropicalia stylings of someone like Gal Costa… This is a major work here and is as deserving of a broad based audience as much as anything I have heard in the last few months… I don’t think it took me even a full listen for me to judge this as one of the better albums of the year.
”
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David Hintz, Folkworld (Germany)
“In [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark], Tori Sparks announces herself as a true performer with a presence, a firm grip on herself, and with something to say… Though her commercial potential is obvious, she also delves into realms more intimate and folky
”
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Redacteur, La Cri du Coyote (France)
“Tori Sparks is a headstrong and independent songwriter who goes her own way, her singing incredibly expressive and energetic. But what really grabs you is the lyrics… Tori is not just some sad singer-songwriter… she is a girl with an attitude and the inner strength, who dares to stand strong in the middle of the storm. In Tori Sparks I find a musician who has that spark that so many lack.
”
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Mary Stock Green, Lira Magazine (Germany)
“[On Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] Tori Sparks’ compositions and arrangements are again excellent, and just like the last album [The Scorpion in the Story], her vocal style is intense and expressive.”
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Huub Thomassen, Real Roots Café (Sweden)
“Before listening I thought that a double CD [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] was going to be a lot to take in, but in fact the total playing time is only 50 mins, and splits the material nicely into manageable sizes, emphasizing the Saturday night/Sunday morning feel. I really like the voice, production and mix - top notch. …Excellent stuff, indeed!”
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Geraint Davies, WN Network (UK)
“Tori Sparks is an American artist who has recently exchanged Nashville (Tennessee) for Barcelona… Her live shows awaken a wide range of emotions in her public, from laughter, to deeper feelings of melancholy…. Tori is known for her spirit of independence as an artist.”
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Redactor, Factoria del Ritmo (Spain)
“'Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark' demonstrate contrasting sides of Tori Sparks’ talent, but the two discs are bound together by one shared quality – passion. 4 of 4 stars.”
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Steve Amos, Rock’n’Reel [R2] (UK)
“It is wonderful to discover music that you excited, that touches the soul, as does this new release of Tori Sparks, ‘Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark.’ …Tori prints her soul into each groove of the record. She moves between genres, but her music is inspired… You should not miss the opportunity to listen to Tori, because when music contains true beauty, it crosses cultures and borders.
”
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Carlos T. Nortwinds, RockInSpain (Spain)
“Tori Sparks is an American rock and blues singer from Nashville… she has already released [four] albums by her own record label and has toured internationally. In her performances she alternates between soulful and hilarious, making her presence and her voice very dynamic.”
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Rosy Bentley, Barcelona Connect
“The spitting of the songs into two discs on the new album by Tori Sparks makes perfect sense. The first EP Until Morning deals with the darker side of life, whereas Come Out Of The Dark explains the possible resolution. It is conceptually very well thought through… The music has changed since her last album The Scorpion in Story, but the absolutely high level of quality has not been altered …All the arrangements are sophisticated without being overpowering …All in all, one can not go wrong… timeless, great music.
”
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Ingo Andruschkewitsch, Musik An Sich (Germany)
“Usually, the term "singer/songwriter" suggests that the artist is a songwriter who sings, sometimes in only a barely adequate, get-me-over voice, in order to showcase her songs. But then there are artists like Van Morrison and Laura Nyro who are sufficient vocal stylists to be considered singers who happen to write their own songs. Sparks... sings in a throaty alto, adding all sorts of expressive coloring to her romantic, poetic lyrics, thus giving them an added emotionalism.”
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William Ruhlmann, All Music
“Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark… is a veritable masterpiece. …Tori's veracious lyrics and scorching delivery cast her as a female Tom Mcrae, opening her wounds and bleeding all over this spellbinding record. Practically perfect from start to finish.”
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Simon Ramsay, AllGigs (UK)
“Her voice is [Tori’s] most powerful weapon, steeped in soul but capable of performing rock and of course folk music…
”
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David Albini, Shortcuts (Italy)
“This woman has been compared to many people, although in most cases they are incomplete comparisons, because if there is anything particularly remarkable in her work, it is its originality. [Tori] melds genres and content so as to wrap every song in the musical clothing consistent with its story.
”
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Jose Maria Esteban, World Music (Spain)
“The production and vocal talent is clothed in freshness… Tori sings, composes, plays acoustic guitar and travels surrounded by songs recorded with a delicacy and attention to detail that enriches the listening experience… I listened to [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] five or six times! I am a fan of Tori Sparks. 8 of 10 stars.
”
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Juan García Landero, La Ganzua (Spain)
“[Tori Sparks’ Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is a flawless collection by a name that deserves to be far better known, and an artist whose back catalogue I'll now be tracking down.
”
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Mike Davies, NetRhythms (UK)
"Maybe Tori Sparks will get Spain some long-overdue musical kudos... Intense and emotional. Just superb. This is her first offering from living in Spain. Hope we get to hear much more from Tori."
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Stella C, Country Routes News (UK)
“One quickly learns to recognize Tori… The production [of Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] gives the songs the weight they were meant to have, and the textual meaning is reinforced by the distinctly talented instrumentalists playing behind her. It is an album that captures it’s audience immediately. When I played it at home with people visiting, the questions came spontaneously: Who is this? Who is the singer? What's her name?
”
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Rune Häger, Roosty (Sweden)
“Her third album, released in 2009, "The Scorpion In The Story," garnered a lot of applause in European roots music circles, and so it was for Tori Sparks especially important to come up with an equally solid successor. In this case, the iron forge has now suddenly turned very hot. ….For example, with one of the title tracks [to Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark], Sparks confirms our response to "The Scorpion In The Story" with regards to her proclaimed abilities. It is possible that this new album will be an even a breakthrough, on a larger scale. For Tori, we hope so!”
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Benny Metten, CTRL. ALT. COUNTRY (Belgium)
“Essentially Sparks is a very good songwriter with a powerful voice and a cooking band… from her new disc Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark, Judge a Book is a real humdinger. Classic pedal steel and twang guitar rumble and wail throughout this turbo charged monster that has a wonderful cinematic feel about it. The first disc opens with Rain (The Widow), a pile-driving howl with a magnificent percussive drive and some wild guitar squalls while Mama has an almost Hispanic beat to it. The Hispanic influence reappears on the one cover here. Quizas Quizas Quizas is a 1940’s Cuban song and Sparks delivers it with a fine sense of sensuality and menace.”
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Paul Kerr, Blabber and Smoke (UK)
“Only 27 years young, Tori has 4 critically acclaimed albums on her own label, Glass Mountain Records. With over 200 concerts a year, Tori is one of the most hard working women in the music business. This fourth release [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist and top producer David Henry…Tori Sparks is a great singer-songwriter who works with many great artists. This album is top in its genre!
”
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Philip Verhaege, Keys and Chords (Belgium)
“There's something about Tori Sparks I like. If it's because she creates really good songs, or if it is that they also are incorporated into a complete sound, I do not know… The whole album [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is like a sketch, a sample or map of all that is good within the realm of melancholy. The songs revel in solitude and in relationships, and in enjoying a minor mood.”
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Magnus Sjoberg, Gaffa (Sweden)
“Female singer songwriters delivering with slightly smoky, jazzy voices are two a penny, but across this double-disc set, which effectively comprises two mini-albums, Tori Sparks makes every effort to prove that she's got an edge that sets her apart. …Gutsy vocals and intelligent, articulate lyrics that are characterful, clever …a strong yet cracked vocal delivery and pens unconventional lyrics that have the capacity to grab the listener's attention.”
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Christopher Nosnibor, Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ (UK)
“With her powerful voice Tori Sparks knows how to create a dramatic and expressive atmosphere… there is a touch of Tom Waits on [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark]… static and flowing, dreamy and subdued, then punchy and sassy… an experience.”
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Wolfgang Giese, Rocktimes (Germany)
“Sparks is not yet 30 but seems to have packed a lot into life. After living in various parts of America, she has recently moved to Barcelona – reading through her biography to date, you feel that this is a woman voracious for new experiences and challenges… Until Morning disc is edgier and more experimental… By contrast, Come Out Of The Dark is warm, friendly and familiar. …However, the thing that really catches the ear is that Tori Sparks is unafraid, and ambitious to see what music she can pull out of herself. I’m left with the feeling that the best is yet to come.”
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John Davy, Flying Shoes (UK)
“Tori crosses backwards and forwards over the rivers of folk, country, and Americana with an effortless skip… powerful and moving… [Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is a regular on my CD player. 5 of 5 stars.”
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John Jobling, Maverick Magazine (UK)
“ [Tori Sparks’ Until Morning/Come Out of the Dark] is going to one of the best records you’re going to hear this month or any other month… desert landscapes with a hint of Enriico Morricone… an original work of considerable depth, quality, and imagination and is a superb record. Not to be missed.”
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Review Team, Live Blues (UK)
“[Tori Sparks’] latest release, Until Morning/Come Out Of The Dark, finds an artist who has matured over the past four years… The lyrics are more incisive and the music has acquired greater sophistication… The one thing that hasn’t changed is her voice, which remains a formidable instrument and the foundation of her appeal… Tori Sparks… takes a giant step with Until Morning/Come Out Of The Dark to produce a work that is both creative and inventive.”
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David Bowling, BlogCritics Music
Song Plays
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Comments
"Mama"...Excellent Tune, Tori's Voice Rivals Anything Bonnie Raitt is doing these days.
HOLA...............
Awesome....
Hi Tori, I am listening to "Mama." You have a very sensual performing style with awesome background music. I wish you all the very best of success. Sincerely, Shane
Your excellent music is part of our Sunday soundtrack!
Love at first listen Tori!!! Amazing talent and achievement!!!