Gospel soul-rocker
Mike Farris follows up his successful 2007 comeback Salvation in Lights with live renditions of most of the songs included on it. The studio tracks that sounded so sanctified receive extended treatments that aren't just longer, but are delivered with a joyous churchy spirit perfect for the subject matter. The full title of the album credits
Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue featuring the McCrary Sisters, a significant point because the band and backing singers add such vitality and enthusiasm to these blistering versions. Regina McCrary's feisty tambourine is audible on every track and even gets its own solo on "Regina's Tambourine." These songs were cherrypicked from
Farris' weekly gigs at Nashville's Station Inn club, an intimate venue that is turned into a revival tent when
Farris and his band hit the stage. A full horn section brings even more soul and jazz to the already energized proceedings, pushing the intensity heightened by the live adrenaline.
Farris is in fine fettle throughout, clearly inspired by his musicians and especially the harmonizing sisters. The latter get their own showcase during the a cappella "Dig a Little Deeper," a song from the
Fairfield Four, the act their dad was a member of. The entire backing ensemble gels on an eight-minute "I'll Take You There" that pays respect to the
Staple Singers but raises the temperature on a cover that incorporates rock guitar along with call and response singing that approaches the original in sheer inspiration. Even if this is a stopgap until
Farris collects enough material for his next studio set, it's an exuberant, roof-raising document that shows the singer to be a committed and talented gospel vocalist unafraid to incorporate his rock and soul background into the genre without weakening or watering it down. Together with a great band and a fired up audience, the effect is explosive. ~ Hal Horowitz