Hope in a House of Blues
Mike's lyrics are wrenched from his life's journey through good times and bad. His decision to wear his heart on his sleeve allows all of us to experience the hope that comes from living the blues. A little Boz Scaggs, a little Bob Dylan, his voice, music and message create a foot stompin hand clappin lift for the spirit. Religious music is personal and in your face preaching is often a huge turn-off. This music is different. Try to keep from singing along with Can't no grave hold My body down. His acoustic guitar is the perfect accompaniment for music that entertains and inspires.

Great CD!!!!
I had never heard of Mike Farris before I saw him on the Gospel Music Channel one night. His voice intrigued me so I decided to order his CD. The songs on the CD sound like a mixture of many different styles of music: everything from Negro spirituals to Blues, Soul, and Funk, with a heavy dose of New Orleans flavor. Some folks will probably not care for it. I can say that is like nothing I have ever heard before. I can say that it will affect you in some way. At times you will want to raise your hands, look toward heaven and praise God. At other times you will want to sit, close your eyes, and connect with the song on a deep spiritual level. At other times you'll tap your toes and maybe even want to get up and dance. The CD is outside what I normally listen too, but I can't seem to get enough of it.

Great CD
This is, simply put, a great CD. Mike Farris' powerful voice and his backing vocalists blend well with the soulful sound of his band. While this is lyrically a religious-based album, and I am not in the least bit religious, I enjoy the music for its qualities of being both refreshingly entertaining and uplifting. There is not a 'throw away' song on the album. It is solid from beginning to end. I just saw the band live and they are incredible live. They are able to sing full-out and create the energy displayed on the album. They sang and played full throttle. Their love of the music came across clearly and you could tell that they had as good of a time on stage as the audience did, which danced and sang as Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Review played.

Louisiana Soul and the Big Tent Revival!!!
Let's rewind about 12 years to 1996 and Cleveland, Ohio. I was in a smoke filled bar with some friends having one to many beers waiting for The Why Store to come on stage as the headlining act. I actually don't remember much of the Why Store show, but what I did remember was a band called Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies (SCW) with Mike Farris as the lead man up-front. As soon as Mike started singing, I couldn't believe what I was hearing! The power and soul in his vocals was powerful, and inspirational at the same time, like being at a big tent revival, but without the evangelizing. There were times of full out eruption to quiet melodic sounds coming from the stack amps. Absolutely incredible!! I was hooked from then on. Fast forward 12 years to 2008. I long gave up the bars and beers am was sitting at home watching the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) and I hear this same distinct voice coming from the TV as I did so many times before but couldn't believe it was on GMC???. Was this the Mike Farris I knew from SCW! I was right, it was!! Hallelujah!! I found out (OK I am a bit behind here) Mike is still singing and has elevated it to another level indeed!! Singing for our Savior! This CD "Salvation in Lights" is quite the testimony for Mike. It really showcases his voice and talent, all of which he gives thanks to the Lord God almighty. A must have CD if you want to hear some Louisiana style grass roots soul filled gospel music! I love this CD and can't wait to see Mike on tour again. This time I will be drunk on the Holy Spirit!!

Farris Shines on "Salvation in Lights"
I was not familiar with his previous work as the frontman of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies but after hearing of his Salvation story and of his musical experience I thought He would be someone to check out. I am so glad I did this is such a great album with very powerful and soulful vocals. It has its own unique sound that doesnt really sound like anyone else out there today. It is great for all ages with a souful, gospel, rock, R&b, and blues sound. I love his cover of Sam Cooke's "Change is Gonna Come" and his version of the hymn "Precious Lord Take My Hand." Again a great album that reaches both the young and the old.