On any given night in Detroit in the early Eighties, chances were good that Don Tapert and Tim Sparling could be heard in several Cass Corridor night spots — from the Song Shop and Café Detroit to the New Miami, Alvin’s, or downtown at The Soup Kitchen Saloon and Café Harmonie. First performing as a soulful guitar-and-piano vocal duo, and later as the rocking four-piece Tapert Sparling Band, they captivated audiences with Tapert’s original songs. Inspired by the Cass Corridor’s community of artists, writers, musicians, and actors, their unique arrangements combined acoustic guitar and piano, anchored by electric bass and drums.

The release of Cass Corridor Sunset, a 12” vinyl LP featuring eight songs recorded in the 1980s, celebrates the vibrant Wayne State music scene. Created in partnership with Cass Corridor artist Robert Sestok and Third Man Records, the project has brought Tapert and Sparling back together with the original band members: Don Tapert (guitar/vocals), Tim Sparling (piano/vocals), Mike Marshall (bass guitar), Greg Calder (drums), and Ray Goodman (electric guitar).