Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Mike Farris Comes Home to Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris
“The Sound of Muscle Shoals”
Compass Records
2025

After his southern rock band, the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, disbanded in the 1990s, Mike Farris emerged as a gifted and soulful solo performer, overcoming the excesses of rock ‘n’ roll. He plays a solid mix of rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel and has released half a dozen albums. He is a Grammy, Americana Association, and Dove Music Award winner who has lent his vocal talents to album projects for artists including Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, and Gloria Gaynor. He’s enjoyed a lasting friendship with Mavis Staples, whom he honored in his song “When Mavis Sings.” He was invited to be a featured performer at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual American Masters concert in 2011, honoring Aretha Franklin alongside some of the industry's biggest stars.

In 2018, Mike Farris joined numerous artists to pay tribute to Muscle Shoals' legacy on the album “Muscle Shoals ... Small Town, Big Sound,” where he and the Blind Boys of Alabama delivered the finest track, “Respect Yourself.” This sparked curiosity about what a complete project by Farris in this storied environment would be like. Now, we have the answer with the 2025 release of “The Sound of Muscle Shoals” recorded at FAME Studios in Alabama.

This is an exceptional collection of nine original songs and two covers, delivered with the powerhouse vocals that only Farris can provide. “Heavy On the Humble,” “Her,” “Learning to Love,” and “Before There Was You & I” each celebrate the enduring relationship he shares with his wife, Julie. “Bird In the Rain” is a smooth, soulful ballad that would make the late Aretha Franklin proud. The gospel song "Slow Train” is a brilliant cover of the Staple Singers' 1968 classic. “Bright Lights” is a solid country tune that captures the struggles of a road-weary troubadour as he chases his passion for music, featuring Philippe Bronchtein's excellent steel guitar.

Rounding out this collection is an excellent cover of Tom Petty's “Swingin'” and “I'll Come Runnin',” featuring a slow, glorious build and plateau, pledging love and commitment. “Sunset Road” ponders a lover’s getaway, leaving worries behind and reclaiming what matters.

Every song here is pure excellence. Farris's vocal delivery is spot-on, and his songwriting is sincere and compelling. The band, featuring Clayton Ivey on piano, Hammond organ, and Wurlitzer; Will McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, and Wes Sheffield on guitar; Jimbo Hart on bass; Justin Holder on drums and percussion; Wendy Moten, Kevin Clayborn, Lashanda Evans, Cindy Walker, and Angela Hacker on vocals; Philippe Bronchtein on steel guitar; Brad Guin on saxophones; and Drew White on trumpet, is exceptional. This album is a must-experience for all who appreciate authentic, soulful rhythm and blues.

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