Mike Farris
(vocals, guitar); Mike Outram (guitar, vocals); Steve ? (organ, vocals); ?
(bass guitar, vocals); Ron Johnson ? (drums).
(Review by Russell)
Mike Farris
is in the middle of a sold out British tour and Live Theatre, just off
Newcastle Quayside, greeted the man from Tennessee as if a returning hero. And,
in some ways, that is what the American was having previously performed in
Ashington in Northumberland. A contingent of avid fans led the cheerleading and
from first note to last Farris held the sold out audience in the palm of his
hand.
Farris' band
on this Newcastle date included ace jazz guitarist Mike Outram in blues-soul
mode and a short notice dep drummer who slotted in as if a long-time sideman.
Cuts from Farris' new album Silver & Stone and a selection
from an extensive back catalogue together with one or two surprise choices were
delivered in a more hard-hitting style than anticipated. A lack of horns and
dedicated backing vocalists perhaps dictated affairs; the gospel-infused vocals
were in evidence but a rockier vibe hit the audience for six.
The intro
to Snap Your Fingers received raptuorus applause
(the band providing the backing vocals), Tom Petty's Swingin' found
favour with the Newcastle audience and Let Me Love You Baby found
favour with your reviewer - 24 carat Tennessee soul! Smokin' Hammond-like
licks, funking bass lines and killer drumming freed Farris to bound across the
stage variously singing a sweet soul lyric, a hollerin' blues and an uplifting
gospel number. A particular highlight of a memorable performance found Farris
singing Mary Gauthier's Mercy Now. Mercy, yes indeed!
The engaging
Farris talked about his current travels; Guildford, Wales, discovering Andy
Fairweather Low (Live Theatre's audience sang him a few lines from Wide
Eyed and Legless) and being amazed by Rod Argent's songwriting
abilities (She's Not There). Farris signed-off with Ann Peebles' I
Can't Stand the Rain. A standing ovation suggested our American visitor
will be back before long.
Earlier Chris
James (guitar, vocals) and Martin Fletcher (harmonica,
vocals) entertained for forty five minutes or so. An attraction in
their own right, James and Fletcher are no strangers to the Jumpin' Hot Club
audience and, sure enough, good natured banter in the form of withering insults
flew to and fro between the duo. Much of the set featured Chris James' material
(Angel in the Mirror impressing) alongside one or two classic blues
numbers by the likes of Robert Johnson and Jimmy Yancey.
At the end
of the evening Mike Farris graciously took time to talk to a long line of fans
waiting patiently to purchase a signed copy of a CD or t-shirt. Mike Farris is
the real deal.
Russell
1 comment :
Wide Eyed and Legless - a great tune and She's Not There an even better one! The Zombies were a great group and harmonically way ahead of the other pop groups of the sixties - much jazzier.
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