Farris was calm and confidant as he took the stage. Confident enough to interpret the classic Folsom Prison Blues into a dark, forboding minstral about bondage and misery, not the bouncy version we’re all used to. If it weren’t Mike Farris, it would be a little like stomping on the flag but in this case it worked huge.

Buddy Miller best sums it up this way “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.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Farris knows well the strains of bondage and addiction; and has tasted the triumphs of overcoming those to the point of seeing his latest project turn into a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album.

“This is a unique musical heritage here in America,” he says. “And this is my mission to shine a light on it, to show the world this music, and to bring it out of the attic.”

The set list took an eclectic path (as you would expect) with Jonah and The Whale leading off, heading straight into the classic Ain’t No Grave.

The set then took a left hook into Folsom Prison Blues and on to Shake Rattle and Roll before settling into a stunning version of Mary Gauthier’s Mercy Now.  He launched into Stand By Me with the kind of soulful gusto the writers could only have imagined when they penned the song.

Mixing personality, commentary and stupendous showmanship, Farris mesmerized the receptive crowd for over an hour.

I want to throw a plug your way about Farris’ upcoming tour. Now listen ya’ll…I’ve seen this show a couple of times before so I’m gonna tell ya. Be prepared to be rocked, rolled and souled to the point where you can’t sit down even if you want to.  The 11 piece band of A-List players will include the McCrary Sisters on backup vocals.

Don’t let the Gospel thing fool ya and if I’m wrong, well come back and tell me so. Check www.mikefarrismusic.com.