As a veteran of the southern blues circuit, Mike Farris has asked that the spotlight be pulled off of him.
After 15 years of traveling from city to city, singing with acts such as The Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, Peaceful Knievel and even Stevie Ray Vaughn's Double Trouble, Mike has had his moments in the spotlight. In 2004 Mike decided to step away from singing about his losses and instead sing of his redemption.
Passionate Gospel. Emotional '60s Soul. Jubilant New Orleans Dixieland. Many times bridging the gaps between blues, soul and Gospel. No matter where he ventures creatively with his talented lyrical writings and original arrangements, Mike always brings his focus back to the salvation that has changed his life.
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Farris Shines on "Salvation in Lights"| Posted October 28, 2008
I was not familiar with his previous work as the frontman of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies but after hearing of his Salvation story and of his musical experience I thought He would be someone to check out. I am so glad I did this is such a great album with very powerful and soulful vocals. It has its own unique sound that doesnt really sound like anyone else out there today. It is great for all ages with a souful, gospel, rock, R&b, and blues sound. I love his cover of Sam Cooke's "Change is Gonna Come" and his version of the hymn "Precious Lord Take My Hand." Again a great album that reaches both the young and the old.
Salvation in Lights| Posted August 08, 2008
At Cornerstone 2008 there were a lot of good acts, a lot of good shows. Near the end of the fest, a relatively unknown and unhyped Mike Farris took the Gallery Stage for the midnight concert. It was guitar, bass, drums and two gospel backup singers. Having listened to Mike's album for several months, I was ready for a good show. What I wasn't ready for was the amazing level of performance. He played most of the songs from Salvation in Lights, so there wasn't anything new to get excited about. But, oh! the performance....
The backup singers harmonized amazingly, and their swaying, soulful voices were heavenly. A surprise was how accomplished a gospel singer Mike is. He has a fantastic voice, and his technique astonished. It was a magical night, and even the emcee was impressed, calling it the best show of the fest (an assessment with which the crowd eagerly agreed). While no album can capture a moment like that, it's a great CD. One upside to the CD is the full band, including horns and keys.
If you appreciate Delta blues, if you like gospel harmonies, this is a can't miss album. A lot of good acts were at Cornerstone. This is a great one. Samples available at Amazon.
Good ol' classic Blues/Rock| Posted August 04, 2007
I was skeptical at first when I heard a sample of this album, but I must admit that as I continued listening, I found myself tapping my toes and swaying to the music. It is nearly impossible to listen to the first track "Sit Down Servant" without wanting to get up and do a little dance around the room! Mr. Farris does a great job on old traditionals like, "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", but he is at his best with his personal testimony song "The Lonely Road" and the mysterious sounding "Devil Don't Sleep".
A highly entertaining artist that, unfortunately, will probably not receive very much mainstream airplay.
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