Mike Farris

He is an artist’s artist, a musician’s musician, celebratedand revered by his fellow performers. It’s no wonder. He’s the one who bringseverything to his music and to every live performance, every time. Mike is anAmericana, Grammy and Dove Award-winner with multiple solo recordings,including his latest, “Silver and Stone.” His iconic personal appearancesinclude the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert honoring Aretha Franklin. He wasfeatured on Patty Griffin's Grammy-winning “Downtown Church,” and appeared withGriffin on Austin City Limits. He shared the stage with Kenny Wayne Shepherdand Double Trouble on the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame special and made hisGrand Ole Opry debut in 2018. An amalgamation of the spiritual and the earthly,of gospel and rock ‘n’ roll, of faith and fire, Mike Farris will bring whatRolling Stone Country describes as a “supersized voice filled with theelectricity of Saturday night and the godly grace of Sunday mornings.” Comingoff of an incredible GRAMMY win for 2015’s SHINE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE (Best RootsGospel Album), Nashville rocker Mike Farris keeps it earthy and personal onSILVER & STONE, (Compass Records, 2018). The title refers to his wifeJulie’s wedding ring, and the album is a celebration of their 23 years ofmarriage and her steadfastness in sticking by him through his years ofstruggling with addiction and alcoholism. Now sober for 9 years, Farris has theenergy and conviction of a man saved, a stack of anecdotes and life experiencesthat would make most people’s heads spin, and a soulful vocal deliveryreminiscent of Sam Cooke or Otis Redding. Produced at Compass Sound Studio (AKA“Hillbilly Central” – the birthplace of Outlaw Country) in Nashville by CompassRecords co-founder, Garry West, SILVER & STONE finds Farris imbuing hissongs with a vibey, lighthearted feel, returning to his roots as a rocker andsoul singer. The album weaves through the traditions of American music the waythat Tennessee born and bred Farris has done expertly throughout his 25-yearcareer, starting with his band, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies. The studio bandincludes famed “Memphis Boy” Gene Chrisman (Dusty Springfield, Elvis Presley,Dan Auerbach) sharing drum duties with Derrek Phillips (Robben Ford, Hank WilliamsJr.), keyboardists Reese Wynans (Joe Bonamassa, Double Trouble) and long-timeFarris collaborator Paul Brown (Waterboys, Ann Peebles), guitarists Doug Lancio(Patty Griffin, John Hiatt), Rob McNelly (Delbert McClinton) and GeorgeMarinelli (Bonnie Raitt) with Steve Mackey (Wallflowers, Delbert McClinton) andproducer West splitting bass duties. Farris is quick to credit the crew in theband for putting their modern spin on classic grooves and progressions. Theband was given just enough structure so they could add their own flavor. Amongthe album’s many standout moments is Joe Bonamassa’s searing solo on “Movin’Me” (Bonamassa became a fan and friend while opening for Screamin’ CheetahWheelies in the 90’s)