New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Vocalist Mike Farris has become one of the first artists to receive a Best
Roots Gospel Album Grammy nomination, for his
Shine for all the People. The new category was created by the
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), initially approved by the Board of Trustees of the Grammy Awards in 2014, and will be presented for the first time at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 8, 2015.
Best
Roots Gospel Album is a new Grammy Award category that recognizes 'roots' gospel albums, the heritage of this music, and the growing interest and support of these genres.
Shine for all the People has been garnering critical acclaim since its
September 2014 release on Compass Records. USA Today calls the album, "A top 10 hidden Grammy gem," and PopMatters enthused, "In the midst of all of the fine Southern roots music, Farris employs powerful, backup choral singing that has the feel of the Beatles' choruses in "
Hey Jude" and others. From start to finish, this is a rockin', affirming album of joy and redemption."
Those familiar with Farris' history and eclectic musical sensibilities know that he can torch the stage with his infused blend of blues, rock, R&B, and gospel, often moving audiences to tears of joy. His sublime, perfectly soulful voice is balanced by his broad sense of musical tastes.
Shine for All the People is his manifesto, traversing American roots territory ranging from blues to Stax soul, from gospel to New Orleans jazz, from the Mary Gauthier penned stunner "Mercy Me" to the soul-laden "Power of Love," with its Stax horns, back-up singers, and Booker T-ish quartet.
The powerhouse vocalist has won an Americana
Music Award for New/Emerging Artist in 2008, followed by a GMA Dove Award in 2010. Now, with a Grammy nod for Best
Roots Gospel Album in hand, Farris is blessed with a fitting acknowledgement of the music he brings from his heart and soul.