Reviewed by Philip Woodward

Following the success of his second album 'Salvation In Arms', former Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies frontman Mike Farris bestows to us this live album recorded at the famous Station Inn in Nashville. It might be that the ceiling at the intimate venue was low, but it certainly sounds as if Farris blew the roof off. The recording features a mixture of Farris' original songs and classic traditional gospel hymns, all lovingly and enthusiastically performed by the resurgent roots/blues man. The sultry "Devil Don't Sleep" slows the pace down and is one of the disc's many sassy and successful moments. In "Oh Mary Don't You Weep", however, lies the true highlight and flaunts the quality of Farris' co-conspirators on the stage; The McCrary Sisters and the Roseland Rhythm Revue. Indeed, the success of this disc is as much down to the Revue and the Sisters, who lend the disc its soul and funk respectively, as it is to Farris, whose cattish vocals occasionally grate. An intimate and successful recording then, which is all any listener wants from a live release. Farris and his band are on top form and deliver a collection of songs fit to get any party started.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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