With a bold mix of gospel, blues, and southern soul, Mike Farris offers his debut album for INO Records. This eleven track release erupts in jubliant celebration of redemption and grace found in the Lord, ranging from uptempo bluesy romps to soulful balladry.
ChristianityToday.com Best Album of 2007
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SCREAMIN’ CHEETAH WHEELY
Having toured with the likes of Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow, The Allman Brothers Band and his own group, The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, Mike Farris’ eventual entry into the world of Christian music has been anything but typical. Not surprisingly, his second solo effort, Salvation in Lights, isn’t typical either. Teamed with a band that features Johnny Cash’s longtime bassist Dave Roe, vocalist Ann McCrary and a number of other obviously talented Nashville musicians, Mike Farris offers a mix of jazz, blues, rock and gospel.
The album starts on a high note with “Sit Down Servant,” a lively African-American spiritual that gives the band a chance to showcase the extent of its musicianship. Quality is consistent even as the feel changes from the darker groove of Farris’ own “Devil Don’t Sleep” to the driving blues of “Selah! Selah!”
Expect a variety of musical styles centered around a soulful vocalist. Although the solos leave something to be desired in terms of length and frequency, the band’s tightness and versatility make this album hard to tire of. One can’t help but want to hear Farris’ band live, freed from the constraints of production.
JUSTIN POT- CCMMagazine.com
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 8 Reviews Showing:
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by shnaker (Europe), July 12, 2009
Ewwww.What was that; i mean come on. He has no talent. His voice disgusted me. The acoustics were excellent but, #1: Why does he have to scream for every thing? he can't even pronounce his words. they're incomprehensible! The backround singers are HORRIBLE. what in my beautiful life is this? Even European singers can probably sing better than this racket! Bye now children.
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by myself (planet earth), July 12, 2009
This cd is okay. Very bluesy/soulful music. If you like that kind of sound, then you will like this cd. I think most of the songs sound very similar though. And the sound is a bit watered down. But it's pretty good.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by William Driscoll (East Bridgewater, MA), July 29, 2008
Great CD if you like the blues or southern soul you will like this. I hope he comes out with another one soon.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Richard Bullis (OK City, OK), March 14, 2008
Incredible album overall. Good to hear a Christian album like this. You can feel his heart in it. Way to go Mike! Hope work is going on for a following album.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer Irish (Rockwood, TN), March 04, 2008
This is one of the best albums I've heard in a long time, this is one album you can actually listen to from beginning to end. Mike has one of the best voices around. If you ever get the chance to see him live it is a must. Check out tour dates at www.mikefarrismusic.net
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Greg Ralphs (Crossville, TN), August 15, 2007
Mike Farris is awesome if you like blues like Stevie Ray Vaughn crossed with some New Orleans black down-home gospel (which I do). The quick response and the price from Christianbook.com was first rate. I'll buy again. Greg Ralphs
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Diane Smith (Cushing, ME), August 03, 2007
Mike Farris and his band are beyond phenomenal. His life story and his great sincerity bring a depth to his music that allows listeners to transcend their day and enter into an incredible spiritual realm. Blessings to him and the band--can't wait for his next CD.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Linda Tucker (Muleshoe,Texas), July 13, 2007
Wow, this blew us away! This is how gospel should sound-from the soul. The blues and Mike are made for one another. Good luck Mike with your future and remember God loves you and we do too! God Bless and what a gift from God to hear this CD.
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