You can conquer new heights in the realm of creativity at any age! Talent and persistence help create literally a miracle where it would seem everything has already been created, and nothing new, capable of even simply attracting the attention of a sophisticated audience, is impossible. But it’s good that there are daredevils capable of disproving this hypothesis. And once again showing by their example: everything is possible. Even where there is high competition.

This is exactly how you can characterize the creative path of Kent Parker. He is unique in many ways. The first thing worth noting is his persistence and hard work. I’ll start with the fact that Parker, already at nine years old, taught himself to play the harmonica and guitar and had already brought his playing to a pretty high level by then. Few children of that age put so much effort into their hobby.

Second, hard work. Kent Parker’s drive represents a truly rare phenomenon in the modern world, where many people quickly give up at the first obstacles. Yes, now Parker has reached significant heights in business, gained financial stability, recognition, and possibly even fame. He’s had a full, successful career—something that millions of people around the world dream of. You might think he could rest on his laurels, enjoy his achieved success, and not risk his reputation. But no! Years later, possibly even decades, something inside him continued to burn. This inner spark, this unquenchable drive for something greater, gave him no peace. And so he makes a decision that many might consider reckless or unnecessary—he returns, returns to music. To the field that had always been his true passion, but which he had once left for more practical purposes. Such persistence borders on obsession, but in the best sense of the word.

His debut album “The Way“ perfectly conveys this core, this zest and distinguishing feature of Parker as an artist, advantageously setting him apart from other musicians. I don’t think it’s being modest—The Way is colossal in scope and budget, with the participation of Charlie McCoy, Brent Mason, Aaron Sterling, Sean Hurley, Jason Webb, Gideon Klein, Daniel Fraire, Fats Kaplin, Rafael Pirela, Nashville Recording Orchestra and Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble as proof of this. To attract such a lineup of musicians for a debut album is an incredible achievement, which speaks to the seriousness of Kent Parker’s intentions and to the fact that his music truly deserves such a level of performance. And you know, I wasn’t very surprised when the instrumental version of the album was released—because it’s like “well, how else could it be?”

Seriously, when you gather such musical monsters—it would be sacrilege to leave the instrumental versions unreleased! Kent Parker, apparently, understood this perfectly well. Probably, even during recording, this idea was in his head.

The Way (Intro)—a wonderful background melody creating the illusion of the Wild West. The sounds of prairie wind, harmonica, guitar initially cause bewilderment, and then genuine delight.

Here there is the beautiful “Look In Here”—a tender and flowing melody gradually immerses consciousness into a state similar to meditation, making you focus only on it. The guitar parts in the middle and at the end, without sharp jumps, bring consciousness back “to the present time.” “The End“—faster compared to the previous one. But a distinctive smoothness and tranquility is preserved. The harmonica parts bring a distinctive color, making you marvel at such a combination.

“Can’t Be Seen” sounds incredible—a combination of sadness and hope. The light and flowing melody makes you whirl in a slow dance, and along the way remember all the past happy moments that have happened in life.

“Summer Sun”—as always full of energy and aspirations. In part, it’s like a fast car ride on a sunny day along a smooth road on a day off, when all anxieties and worries remain behind. The guitar sets a lively rhythm, dispelling sadness and some melancholy from the previous track. “The Light Inside Her Heart”—definitely opens up anew in the instrumental version, while “Full Circle”—perhaps my favorite.

Indeed, comparing the instrumental and original versions is like comparing two different types of art. The instrumental version of “The Way” reminds me of a canvas where each of these masters—Charlie McCoy, Brent Mason, this entire stellar team—they are like world-class artists, each with their own paints writing their part of this canvas. The technique is flawless, the brushstrokes precise, the colours saturated. But what is this painting worth without a frame? Yes, and in this case Kent Parker’s vocals are indeed that very frame which completes the work of art! Without a frame, even the most brilliant painting looks unfinished, as if something is missing. Kent’s voice adds context to all the music, emotional focus, directs the listener’s attention.

But… the instrumental version gives greater freedom to the imagination. You work at home, go about your business, whilst light Americana rock plays in the background. It does not distract, does not impose specific emotions, but creates an incredible atmosphere of quality and professionalism.

The instrumental version of ‘The Way‘ is a peculiar treasure chest where everyone can find what they need at their current stage of life. Such an album is a find, as it allows one to quickly select a suitable track based on the situation. For me personally, such an album is a gift.

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