Salvation in Lights (CD)

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

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com