Mike Farris is a force of nature. With 2007's Salvation In Lights, his second solo album, he emerged full blown in his new incarnation, delivering Americana Evangelism, having shed the skin of an earlier, much unhealthier center stage role for the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. He is a lesson for us all. He lived the binges; drugs and drinking and excess; 'too much ain't enough' lifestyle that so often accompanies success. Then he literally got religion, and left the bad habits behind in 2002. It has been a solid last three years, as Mike channels his energy into his music. And what energy it is. Pure white light. Seeing his show is an instant 'click' moment. Infectious, powerful, a tour de force. He takes the stage with the intensity of a tsunami, and you feel washed clean by the sheer joy of it. I don't care which of his albums you buy, but trust me on this one, buy one and you will buy them all. He is a secret weapon of Gospel - good tidings, GLAD tidings.

Photo Credit: Ed RodeHis latest, The Night The Cumberland Came Alive, features Sam Bush, Kenny Vaughan, Byron House, Ketch Secor, and The McCrary Sisters. It is a 6-song EP to commemorate and celebrate the rebirth of Nashville, after the "1,000 year" flood that took place on May 1, 2010. The project was recorded just weeks afterwards, set forth to help rebuild and repair the flood damage. There's a cool article about the project in this month's special Americana issue of the Direct Buzz.

When I saw him on the schedule for the Americana Fest, I was SO excited, we just HAD to have him come by. We booked him at 9am! Then I was kicking myself, because I wasn't there, having been called away to a meeting, knowing what I was missing. As I have said before, I don't often tell the guys what kind of musical experience is coming their way. But I texted Beans & Aaron and said, "Mike is on his way over to blow your mind." He even does that solo! Check him out live for a jolt of love. He is wrapping up some dates in Spain, and then will be returning to the US. I'll tell you, too; be prepared to be blown away, VERY blown away.

- Jessie Scott