Mike Farris - The Night Cumberland Came Alive

I'm not sure why the May floods that hit Nashville in May of this year did not seem to grasp the nation's attention like other recent natural disasters did. There was a lot of press attention, but it seems that the lack of hurricane force winds made the story less captivating. However, the people who lost homes and loved ones in the flood were as devastated as Katrina victims.

Mike Farris (The former front man of Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies) decided he would rectify the situation with a benefit EP. The Night Cumberland Came Alive,  is a Gospel recording done at the Downtown Presbyterian Church. This historic Church is the same venue Patty Griffin recorded her recent Gospel project. Farris is no stranger to Gospel, having won a Dove award for his most recent album Shout!  Proceeds will be used to help the flood victims.

The guest list is impressive featuring, Sam Bush, Kenny Vaughan (Marty Stuart), Ketch Secor and Gill Landry from Old Crow Medicine Show and Byron House. The opening title track is a wake up call to our own mortality, "I will remember the night the Cumberland came alive. It should remind you that you were born to die." Howver, the shock of the tragedy, is balanced by the call for hope and restoration provided by the song  "Dear Lazrus". Combine Farris' vocal styling with the all-star musicians contributing to the project and you have a donation worth making.