Blues musician and native Houstonian Sparky Parker first picked up the guitar at the age of 13, inspired by his father’s old record collection, and soon began strumming original tunes. “The pure soul of blues is something that I’ve always related to,” muses Parker.

Now, at the age of 32, the musician — who has been compared to the likes of Gary Clark Jr. and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and who mentors young musicians — has released his sophomore album, In the Dark, a 10-track wonder that dropped in September, a perfect amalgamation of blues, rock and soul.

Over the last few weeks, he’s transitioned his guitar students to virtual lessons, and has experienced an ebb and flow of inspiration for new material. “I’m excited for the music scene to come back to life,” he says. “There will surely be some pent-up energy that people are eager to release on the dance floor.”

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Parker wears Purple jeans and a The Kooples shirt from Saks Fifth Avenue, with a watch from Deutsch Houston.