Mike Farris

When Mike Farris let's loose, as on "Streets Of Galilee" or "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down," his songs have all the fire and brimstone that their sermons demand, bringing to mind a funkier, greasier, nastier Bobby Charles one minute and the high-rolling strut of the good Dr. John the next. With all its torment and triumph, Ferris' voice is the record's most durable aspect, selling his tough Sam Cooke cover, "Change is Gonna Come," and endowing "Sit Down Servant" with the spirit of a Sunday afternoon street party.