I first saw Mike Farris as the front man for a band called the Screaming Cheetah Wheelies back in the early 90’s. Some friends of mine knew the band and invited me down to a club to see them. I remember sitting in this very small club just being blown away by this band and the big soulful swagger and voice that came out of this skinny little guy. The band was so tight and Mike’s voice just had this vibe to it that took me back to when my Mom used to play old soul records like Al Green. After that night I was a fan from then on. In the mid 90’s the “Wheelies” had a hit with “Shaking the Blues” but in time they seemed to get drowned out by the grunge music that was so in at the time. Now years later Mike has returned as a solo artist and a born again Christian. After years of battling a bad drinking problem he has seemed to over come his demons with a faith in God and has also rekindled his roots in his love of soul and gospel. I love his latest studio release called  “Salvation In Lights” which consists of covers of some old soul gospel music. He also has released a live disc called “Shout Live” that is a testament that he is the real deal and not some product of the studio.

If you love great gospel and soul music… then Mike Farris is definitely worth checking out. In my humble opinion Mike has one of the best voices out today. Just listening to him sing makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I love that about good music… it seems to reach down into our soul speak to you on a real level.

Check out Mikes web site: Mike Farris

Living Colour have a released a new single from their forthcoming release THE CHAIR IN THE DOORWAY due September 15, 2009 on Megaforce Records. Ron St Germain who produced their CD “Stain” returns to produce this release. I saw these guys a few years back in Nashville. They can still bring it big time. One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. If they come near you on this tour definitely go see them. Check it out Living Colour on MySpace Music

Alice In Chains have released a new song along with a video called “A Looking In View” from their new album “Black Gives Way To Blue” which is due out September 29th. From the opening riff you can tell Alice In Chains is back in full force. The orignal line up of Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney are back with the addition of vocalist William DuVall who is of course taking over for the late Layne Staley. Duval had his own band Comes With The Fall  but joined Alice in Chains as lead singer during the band’s reunion concerts. From this first song it seems Jerry and Duvall’s voices meld very well together. As a fan of both Alice In Chains and Comes With The Fall I’m really looking forward to this one.