Rick Faris is back! Although, he was never really gone. So with great consistency, he presents us with his next solo album, ‘Uncommon Sky.’ The third project from the house of Jana and Stephen Mougin over at Dark Shadow Recording. He succeeds at evolving and stays true to himself at the same time. I think that's exactly what makes great artists.
His song choice just right for the album, and so is having the opportunity to be backed by an incredible crew of musicians. They include; Laura Orshaw, Zac McLamb, Luke Munday, Harry Clark, and Eddie Faris. As if this crew wasn't enough already, they are accompanied by Jerry Douglas, Del and Ronnie McCoury, Dani Flowers, Ben James and Russ Carson. All of these names speak for themselves, and for the quality of this project.
Rick Faris did the songwriting on this one, with the co-writing help of songwriting legend Rick Lang. Two songs are co-written with Evan Dickerson, one being the amazing opening track, “Don't Hold Back.” This track is one of my favorites out of this project. And I have to mention, there is an outstanding adaption of the famous “The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News. This was the first single. If you didn't stumble upon this one by now you’ve got to go check it out. Rick just nails it. It has all the power and energy of the original, but adds the drive and energy of a great bluegrass song all at the same time. It is 'Back To The Future' in the best sense. It brings back memories from 1985, and is a contemporary bluegrass highlight. You just got to love it!
But like I said before, the opener “Don't Hold Back” is definitely a highlight. As well as the song about his grandfather’s farm, “Kansas Cornfields”. If these three songs don't convince you then just try, “Too Lonely, Way Too Long,” recorded with Jerry Douglas and Del McCoury. Also an original, but sounds and feels like a standard. This is a song that will be heard very often in the future, in my prediction. Every young band should try and cover it to sharpen their teeth on it. It has attitude, it has swing, it has humor, it's just timeless bluegrass. And so far one of the best vocal tracks of this year.
You will definitely want to check out the mandolin and the fiddle on “Hellfire Club,” - ‘just sayin'.
This record marks Rick Faris as one of the most important current acts in the bluegrass scene. We can only hope that he continues his journey after his releases in 2019 (‘Breaking in Lonesome’), and 2021 (‘The Next Mountain’), and now 2023, ‘Uncommon Sky.’
Reviewed by:
Severin Theinert for
Uncut Grass
September 2023