Biography

While playing with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, (Orchestra Nashville), Phyllis accompanied Trey Anastasio, of the rock group Phish, at the 2004 Bonnaroo Festival.

“Being on stage in front of 90,000 screaming fans was indescribable. It poured rain right before. Lightening struck the main stage while we waited to go on. We had to turn my harp over on it’s side to keep from blowing over in the wind. When we went back onstage finally to set the harp upright, a huge roar came up from the crowd to cheer us on. The excitement in the air was contagious!"

phyllis taylor sparks

More about Jazz/Pop/Classical Harpist...................................................Phyllis Taylor Sparks

Tours include the continental United States, China, Canada, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Japan and South Korea. Ms. Sparks CDs are currently marketed Worldwide. Internet sites selling Ms Sparks CD’s include CDBaby.com, WorldWideMedia.com, and itunes to name a few.

•Former member of the Mantovani Orchestra
•Session player on Pedal and Celtic harps
• Master's and Bachelor's in Music Performance, University of Michigan; Master’s Harp Performance Belmont University
•Member Nashville String Machine

As owner of a 23 KT Gold Venus Aria harp and the creator of the beautiful music emanating from its strings, Phyllis Taylor Sparks is an exceptional performer. Unlike some musicians, Ms. Sparks is not limited to a single genre of music, and her repertoire reflects that. Phyllis also performs on a Venus Classic Concert Grand harp and a Dusty Strings Celtic harp.

Ms. Sparks regularly performs at conventions, parties, banquets, weddings & receptions, and also performs and records with The Nashville String Machine, Orchestra Nashville, and The Dream Machine.

Phyllis Taylor Sparks music is at Jazical Music (Publishing. BMI)

What People Are Saying About Phyllis Taylor Sparks:

"Thank you for the wonderful CDs. My wife and sister and I enjoyed them. The tribute to Johnny Mercer was great. I hope you do fabulous business with it." — Jamie Farr

"I thank you so much for sending your terrific album. What a pleasure to hear you play so beautifully the great Mercer songs, and I also loved the band with you." — Margaret Whiting, Artist/Singer Star of the Broadway Show, "Dream", New York, NY

"Thank you for the CD 'Heart Strings'. It is wonderful — very today, yet shows the classical status of the harp." — Don Pippin, Musical Director The Broadway Show, "Dream" and The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY

"I want to thank you for your eloquent performance. You played beautifully and the artistry of the ensemble was much appreciated by all in the audience." — Leslie Bassett, Composer, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

"I will always remember you and your playing. It is one of my great musical memories. It was a great evening and my wife and I have often remarked not only of your present talent but make a prediction for the great future we feel is ahead for you." — Joseph Stukas, General Director, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

"You don’t play at people. You reach their hearts and create something sensational!" — Ed Golterman, Producer, Ed Golterman Enterprises, Inc., Vienna, VA

"Your recording is great! Most harpists can’t play that well after a lifetime at it. Let me know and I’ll push it on my radio program." — Bob Taylor, Radio Personality, WJR Radio, Detroit, MI

"Thanks for playing at the inauguration of our new president last week. God bless you. I look forward to working with you again!" — Jim Burleson, Music Director, Annual Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN

"I enjoyed your playing on the Mantovani Tour! We had a good group. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in Jacksonville. Best wishes." — Sam Fricano, Conductor, The Mantovani Orchestra., Jacksonville, FL

www.justaddharp.com

For Booking Information or to be on our mailing list:

bookinginformation@jazical.com

The list of people whom Phyllis Taylor Sparks has played for reads like a virtual Who's Who, including the wedding of Natalie Cole, numerous events for former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, and for H.R.H. Prince Edward on his recent trip to Nashville. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Ms. Sparks has played with the Nashville Symphony on their Carnegie Hall Tour, on the Amy Grant Christmas Tour and regularly records with the Nashville String Machine. Phyllis played the new Johnny Mathis CD “Sending You A Little Christmas”. The CD features duets with Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Jim Brickman, Gloria Estefan, Vince Gill & Amy Grant.

She is a former member of the famous Mantovani Orchestra. Ms. Sparks and her jazz trio, The Dream Machine, have played Nashville's prestigious Swan Ball. She has accompanied Josh Groban, Martina McBride, Kip Winger, Dennis DeYoung, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, Wynonna, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan and the legendary Ray Charles, to name a few.

For two seasons, she performed the musical "Christmas Carol", starring actor Jamie Farr at the famous Ryman Auditorium. She also played with the orchestra for the pre-broadway run of Dream, The King and I, South Pacific, Camelot starring Lou Diamond Phillips, The Fantastics and the hit show The Producers at the Tennessee Performing Art Center.

Phyllis’ music has been featured on the TV shows “Tell Me A Story”, “Mr Robot”, “Necessary Roughness”, “Drop Dead Diva” and “Ugly Betty”. Ms Sparks has also played on numerous FILM SCORES including The Glass Castle, The War Room and Fireproof (starring Kirk Cameron). If you want to know more.....................read below......

Phyllis Taylor Sparks