_____ Songwriter/musician Rick Sparfven has stepped on to a world stage amongst some of the finest artist of our time. This native from New England has once again taken his talent to another level. His album debut Brittany Michelle reflects a smooth and lighter side of Latin and progressive jazz, while the Rick Sparfven Project, Purgatory Road takes his songwriting along with his musical flavor to new extremes. Bassist such as Stanley Clark and Alfonso Johnson have influenced Ricks playing over the years, but it is in his own interpretation of what the instrument could be that sets him apart from all others. From melodic melodies, subtle timing and at times a progressive style, what strikes you most is how smooth and refined his playing is even while taking the instrument to the cutting edge. Looking to the future one might find musicians that take their creativity to a new horizon and push their musical knowledge to the very limits, and amongst these talented artists are a hand full that will stand out above all the rest, this is where you will likely find Rick Sparfven.