Mike Farris

“Salvation in Lights”

INO Records

11 tracks @  45:24

Grade - A+

            Because of these reviews and my music video show, I listen to a lot of CCM.  Most of it is worthy but sometimes the artistic style of much of the music I listen to starts to blur together.  That is not the case with Mike Farris.  In fact, this is the best record I’ve heard this year.

            If I had to categorize his music, I’d label it “modern traditional Gospel.”  This is a record with soul, literally. With its muted horns and clarinet, the New Orleans-flavored “Oh Mary” is way over the top, but it works.  “I’ll Take You There” reminded me of Bob Seger.  “I’m Gonna Get There” is another great song.  “Sit Down Servant” had me standing up.

            Among the musicians on this record is Dave Roe, the longtime bass player for Johnny Cash.

            Farris says, “When I was growing up, we had five records in my family and three of them were by Johnny Cash.”   

            He continues, “I finally said, ‘I think it’s time for me to take those traditional, turn-of-the-century songs and add these things I’m writing that sound like that, and just go with it, this is what I want to do.  It became real clear to me.

            “When I’m playing music, it’s like a prayer to me,” he says.  “I’m closer to God than I ever am, outside of my prayer.  That’s the best way I can portray what I’m feeling in my heart.”

            What I want to do is keep listening to this record; an awesome record, a keeper in my collection.  The Bio info on Farris’s website offers a very honest and revealing look at redemption.

Rob S.

http://www.mikefarrismusic.net/