Coming off of an
incredible GRAMMY win for 2015’s SHINE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE (Best Roots Gospel
album), Nashville rocker Mike Farris keeps it earthy and personal
on SILVER & STONE, out September 7 on
Compass Records. The title refers to his wife's ring, and the album is a
celebration of their 23 years of marriage and her steadfastness in sticking by
him through his years struggling with addiction and alcoholism. Now sober for 7
years, Farris has the energy and conviction of a man saved, a stack of
anecdotes and life experiences that would make most people’s heads spin, and a
soulful vocal delivery reminiscent of Sam Cooke or Otis Redding. SILVER & STONE isn’t a “gospel” album by any means, but
Farris still takes us to church on these 12 engaging tracks, including a cover
of Bill Withers’ “Hope She’ll be Happier.”
Produced at Compass Sound Studio (AKA “Hillbilly Central” – the birthplace of Outlaw Country) in Nashville by Compass Records co-founder, Garry West, SILVER & STONE finds Farris imbuing his songs with a vibey, lighthearted feel, returning to his roots as a rocker and soul singer. The album weaves through the traditions of American music the way that Tennessee born and bred Farris has done expertly throughout his 25-year career, starting with his major label band, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies.
Sonically, SILVER & STONE’s warm organic sound and stellar playing recalls the cream of the Stax Records’ catalog. The album opener and Farris original, "Tennessee Girl,” seguing into “Are You Lonely For Me Baby?” and “Can I Get a Witness,” are loose and groove-driven, hitting all the right notes of soul, and blues with an effortlessness that shows what a natural Farris is for this sound.
The studio band includes famed “Memphis Boy” Gene Chrisman (Dusty Springfield, Elvis Presley, Dan Auerbach) sharing drum duties with Derrek Phillips (Robben Ford, Hank Williams Jr.), keyboardists Reese Wynans (Joe Bonamassa, Double Trouble) and long-time Farris collaborator Paul Brown (Waterboys, Ann Peebles), guitarists Doug Lancio (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt), Rob McNelly (Delbert McClinton) and George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt) with Steve Mackey (Wallflowers, Delbert McClinton) and producer West splitting bass duties. Farris is quick to credit the crew in the band for putting their modern spin on classic grooves and progressions. The band was given just enough structure so they could add their own flavor. Among the album's many standout moments is Joe Bonamassa's searing solo on “Movin’ Me” (Bonamassa became a fan and friend while opening for Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies in the 90's).
Melding the spiritual and the earthly, Farris says the album is about “reaching something better without actually trying.” This sentiment drives the Farris-penned composition, “Golden Wings”, written for his son, Christian, at “a pivotal point in his life, with so many options in front of him. That feeling of ‘Where am I supposed to be?’”
Farris told Rolling Stone Country. "It's one of those songs that just flowed out after I did an exercise where you write a letter to your younger self. It has a dual message— something to say to a young person who is looking for answers, but also a reminder to myself to be free and open to the possibilities of life."
Another Farris composition, “When Mavis Sings,” hits equally close to his heart. Over his years as a performer, he’s had the privilege of becoming close to legendary singer and gospel icon Mavis Staples. He says, “Mavis is everything you want your heroes to be.” Julie Farris elaborates, “She calls him ‘Mikey’.” The song is actually a history lesson on Mavis' life, as it's completely comprised of literal tidbits of her life.
“I wanted to explore that upbringing, being in that neighborhood with all of these luminaries and absorbing that music,” he says. “It was exciting to watch all the pieces come together and fit lyrically.”
The album closes with “I’ll Come Running Back To You,” an acknowledgment of the surrender intrinsic in love by accepting the kind of love that conquers shame and self-doubt. Where the narrator of this song is losing his identity in service of unrequited love, for Farris, it’s quite the opposite—it’s relinquishing a vision of identity that needs to be served by attention or self-medication and instead takes root and grows through love.
“It’s the most essential, yet most difficult, part of faith,” Farris says. “Remembering to open up and allow the universe to have its way with you and your gifts. Be open and free to the possibilities of life.”
"With a supersized voice filled with the electricity of Saturday night and the godly grace of Sunday mornings ." — Rolling Stone Country
Produced at Compass Sound Studio (AKA “Hillbilly Central” – the birthplace of Outlaw Country) in Nashville by Compass Records co-founder, Garry West, SILVER & STONE finds Farris imbuing his songs with a vibey, lighthearted feel, returning to his roots as a rocker and soul singer. The album weaves through the traditions of American music the way that Tennessee born and bred Farris has done expertly throughout his 25-year career, starting with his major label band, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies.
Sonically, SILVER & STONE’s warm organic sound and stellar playing recalls the cream of the Stax Records’ catalog. The album opener and Farris original, "Tennessee Girl,” seguing into “Are You Lonely For Me Baby?” and “Can I Get a Witness,” are loose and groove-driven, hitting all the right notes of soul, and blues with an effortlessness that shows what a natural Farris is for this sound.
The studio band includes famed “Memphis Boy” Gene Chrisman (Dusty Springfield, Elvis Presley, Dan Auerbach) sharing drum duties with Derrek Phillips (Robben Ford, Hank Williams Jr.), keyboardists Reese Wynans (Joe Bonamassa, Double Trouble) and long-time Farris collaborator Paul Brown (Waterboys, Ann Peebles), guitarists Doug Lancio (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt), Rob McNelly (Delbert McClinton) and George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt) with Steve Mackey (Wallflowers, Delbert McClinton) and producer West splitting bass duties. Farris is quick to credit the crew in the band for putting their modern spin on classic grooves and progressions. The band was given just enough structure so they could add their own flavor. Among the album's many standout moments is Joe Bonamassa's searing solo on “Movin’ Me” (Bonamassa became a fan and friend while opening for Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies in the 90's).
Melding the spiritual and the earthly, Farris says the album is about “reaching something better without actually trying.” This sentiment drives the Farris-penned composition, “Golden Wings”, written for his son, Christian, at “a pivotal point in his life, with so many options in front of him. That feeling of ‘Where am I supposed to be?’”
Farris told Rolling Stone Country. "It's one of those songs that just flowed out after I did an exercise where you write a letter to your younger self. It has a dual message— something to say to a young person who is looking for answers, but also a reminder to myself to be free and open to the possibilities of life."
Another Farris composition, “When Mavis Sings,” hits equally close to his heart. Over his years as a performer, he’s had the privilege of becoming close to legendary singer and gospel icon Mavis Staples. He says, “Mavis is everything you want your heroes to be.” Julie Farris elaborates, “She calls him ‘Mikey’.” The song is actually a history lesson on Mavis' life, as it's completely comprised of literal tidbits of her life.
“I wanted to explore that upbringing, being in that neighborhood with all of these luminaries and absorbing that music,” he says. “It was exciting to watch all the pieces come together and fit lyrically.”
The album closes with “I’ll Come Running Back To You,” an acknowledgment of the surrender intrinsic in love by accepting the kind of love that conquers shame and self-doubt. Where the narrator of this song is losing his identity in service of unrequited love, for Farris, it’s quite the opposite—it’s relinquishing a vision of identity that needs to be served by attention or self-medication and instead takes root and grows through love.
“It’s the most essential, yet most difficult, part of faith,” Farris says. “Remembering to open up and allow the universe to have its way with you and your gifts. Be open and free to the possibilities of life.”
"With a supersized voice filled with the electricity of Saturday night and the godly grace of Sunday mornings ." — Rolling Stone Country
“Mike Farris has enough heart, soul, and power
to light up a city. He mixes up the elements and turns them into something new,
beautiful, and uniquely his own.” — Buddy Miller
"Country and gospel music is in dire need of some pure
heartfelt soul right now. He's like a secret weapon — he's
loaded with soul." — Marty Stuart (Rolling Stone Country)
TOUR DATES:
July 10 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
July 13 – Mill Valley, CA – Sweetwater Music
Hall
July 14 – Navarro, CA – Redwood Ramble
July 15 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
Aug 18 – Saugerties, NY – Cantine Veterans
Memorial Complex
Aug 23 – Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds
Aug 24 – Lexington, KY – Willie’s Locally Known
Aug 25 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music
Aug 26 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
Aug 27 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall
Aug 28 – Charleston, SC – Queen Street Playhouse
Sep 6 – Buford, GA – Buford Community Center
Sep 8 – Franklin, TN – Franklin Theatre
Sept 14 – Nashville, TN - AMERICANAFEST
Sep 17 + 18 – Penticton, BC – The Dream Café
Sep 20 – Salt Spring Island, BC – PitchFork
Social
Sep 21 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
Sep 22 – Victoria, BC – University Centre
Farquhar Auditorium
Sep 28 – Franklin, NC – Franklin Town Square
Gazebo
Oct 5 - Madrid, Spain - Changó LIVE
Oct 6 - A Coruna, Spain - Sala Inn Club
Oct 7 - Gijón, Spain - Teatro de la Laboral
Oct 12 - Calella, Spain - Fàbrica Llobet
Nov 03 – Moab, UT – Moab City Baseball Field
Nov 29 – Stoughton, WI – Stoughton Opera House
