“Bluegrass music might be entering its ninth decade, but Breaking in Lonesome proves it’s more vital than ever, and this project is a perfect showcase for one of its truly bright lights,” Tim Stafford of Blue Highway states regarding Rick Faris’s first solo studio album release from Dark Shadow Recording in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rick started out picking bluegrass in his family band, the Faris Family, at the age of seven. He was destined for a successful career by getting a head start in his music from his father, Bob Faris, a professional touring musician in his own right. Bob played alongside Reba McEntire on many stages, including the Grand Ole Opry. Rick’s family of six, consisting of mom, dad, Rick, and his three brothers, toured extensively for many years honing their craft.
Rick resides in Topeka, Kansas and tours professionally as lead singer and guitarist for the world-trotting, Grammy nominated bluegrass band Special Consensus from Chicago. He joined the group in 2009 and has played on five albums with the band. Special Consensus has won several IBMA Awards, most recently the 2018 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year and 2018 Album of the Year. Although he is pursuing a solo career, you can still catch Rick on tour regularly with Special Consensus.
Rick is known for his clear, brilliant tenor voice that lends itself to all emotions of the music. He has a strong, unique lead vocal and a guitar persona that sets him apart from the rest. While not touring, he spends a large amount of his time with his family and honing his skills as a renowned luthier. He not only builds and repairs instruments for other people, but he is currently touring with instruments he has built for himself.
Dark Shadow Recording label-head Stephen Mougin says, “Rick is one of the great voices in modern Bluegrass music. Over the years, I’ve watched him grow into a powerhouse musician, delivering compelling performances both on stage and in recordings. Through our partnership, we have created a solo album dedicated to his own brand of Bluegrass. It’s time for the world to hear more from Rick Faris!”
