Rick Faris Archives - Bluegrass Today

Faris Guitar Company Grand Opening this weekend

Popular bluegrass guitarist, vocalist, and band leader Rick Faris is proud to announce the Grand Opening of the new location of his business, Faris Guitar Company, and Kentucky Guitar Works this weekend in Owensboro, KY.

Faris grew up in bluegrass music, performing as a teen with his family’s band, and then served a journeyman’s role with Special Consensus, initially on mandolin, finishing up on guitar. From there, he launched a solo performing career and currently tours with his own Rick Faris Band.

The May 10-11 Grand Opening is also the launch for Kentucky Guitar Works, which will host a number of acoustic string luthiers in one building, located a short distance from the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro. Rick will oversee an apprenticeship program there, as well as other experienced luthiers who will join the team.

All this is part of a downtown revitalization effort by the city and its business leaders, based around making Owensboro a hub for bluegrass music in western Kentucky, and thus a tourist draw throughout the year.

Rick says that seeing this all come together after months of planning and renovations feels great.

“I have been just beside myself with joy at how amazing this project has been to undertake. I’ve had some real friends in the trenches, helping me get it off the ground, and it really does take a village. I’m glad that my village is Owensboro, Kentucky. I feel very excited to be doing something that will further bluegrass and the lutherie trade, so we have a healthy industry as we move into the future here at the Bluegrass Capitol of the World!

I’ve been teaching since I was a teenager with bluegrass music, and I have trained a few luthiers up in the trade, but I’m really excited to have a bigger impact on the education and demonstration of the luthier trade that has given me such a rewarding career.”

Faris will build his branded guitars in the new shop, which the public can visit to watch the luthiers at work. He, and others, will also accept instruments for repair.

A good many special events are planned for the Grand Opening celebration. Things get started at noon on Friday (May 10) with a ribbon cutting, followed by a pair of open house opportunities at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. During these sessions, Rick will host a meet and greet with media and the public, and take everyone on a guided tour of the facility.

Then on Saturday, they will get an early start at 9:00 a.m. with an hour of live bluegrass, provided by Faris on guitar, Scott Napier on mandolin, and Chris Joslin on banjo. Other musical guests are expected. After the performance, two more Open House sessions will be available at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

In order to deal with limited space, Guitar Works asks that those interested in attending one of the Open House options, please register in advance online.

From 3:00-4:30 p.m., Kentucky Guitar Works will host a luthier jam using instruments made by regional artisans and craftspeople.

Congratulations to Rick Faris, Faris Guitar Company, and Kentucky Guitar Works on your Grand Opening!

Henry Burgess to Rick Faris Band

Singer, songwriter, and bandleader Rick Faris is continuing his bluegrass youth movement with the hiring of 17 year old mandolin wunderkind Henry Burgess, from Guthrie, OK, for his band.

Raised under the tutelage of his father, Greg Burgess, a fiddler with the Byron Berline Band, and Berline himself, who is young Henry’s namesake (Henry Byron Burgess), the teen mandolinist has quickly blossomed into a first rate player.

Faris, who likewise grew up in a bluegrass family environment, says that he can’t wait to watch his young charge develop professionally.

“We are delighted to welcome Henry Burgess to the band. His exceptional picking and passion for music are truly inspiring. We look forward to supporting his growth and witnessing his continued success in the world of bluegrass music.”

The job offer was extended earlier this year, and upon acceptance, Rick asked Burgess to make a short video he could use in introducing Henry to the bluegrass world. He readily complied.

Another heralded young picker, 18 year old Gibson Davis, was brought on by Faris last month, so Henry should feel right at home.

Rick’s label head, Stephen Mougin with Dark Shadow Recording, very much approves of these latest moves.

“I’m so happy to see Rick Faris rounding out his touring band with such fine young pickers! I can’t wait to see what he can cultivate in them, and they surely have a great mentor (musically and otherwise!).”

With Faris on guitar and Burgess on mandolin, the group is completed by Davis on banjo, and Rick’s brother, JimBob, on bass.

You can keep an eye on the Rick Faris Band’s touring schedule online for a chance to see this hot young band in person.

Gibson Davis to Rick Faris Band

Rick Faris has announced that teen banjo sensation Gibson Davis has joined his band on banjo.

Turning 18 years old later this month, Gibson has grown up deeply immersed in bluegrass. He is a fourth generation musician who started out on banjo when he was eight, taught by his grandfather, Danny Davis, who played with The Davis Brothers in West Virginia. That group also included his great grandfather, Elize, and his great uncle, Wes. His dad, Chris Davis, is mandolinist and vocalist with Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, and young Gibson had been able to spend time on the road with his dad throughout his teen years.

Faris says of his new banjo picker…

“Gibson is a wonderful young picker that is steeped in the bluegrass tradition, and has a keen understanding beyond his years. Gibson’s banjo playing has a Missouri-like groove that sings to my heart and my own bluegrass upbringing. I’m so excited to get out and let folks hear Gibson at work, and I can’t wait to see where this next touring season takes us!”

You might have seen Gibson playing over recent years while his dad was with The Grascals, who often brought him up to play a song or two with the band. He even filled in a full show with them when he was only 15 for a date Kristin Scott Benson couldn’t make.

He has also done shows of late with Wyatt Ellis, Don Rigsby, and Turning Ground.

Davis says he is ready and rarin’ to go.

“I’m very excited to hit the road with the Rick Faris Band! I’m thankful for the opportunity, and can’t wait to pick with some of the best musicians in the business!”

For those who may not have heard him play before, Gibson sent along this brief clip of him playing the Earl Scruggs classic, Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

Rick also shared his gratitude for the many musical friends who have helped him get his solo career on track since leaving Special Consensus for just this purpose a few years ago.

“I would not have come this far without my amazing friends Tony Watt, Laura Orshaw, Russ Carson, Beth Lawrence, Chris Luquette, Luke Munday, Michael Prewitt, Will McSeveney and Harry Clark. They played the first year out on the road with me, learning so much material and blowing my mind. I love you all and cannot thank you enough for getting this dream off the ground.

Thank you also to my Big Brother JimBob for being my first permanent member last summer, and helping me steady my foundation for the addition of great pickers like Gibson Davis.”

Congratulations to Gibson on his first professional touring gig, and to Rick Faris for scoring a future star.

You can see al their tour dates online.

Rick Faris to Kansas Music Hall of Fame

Popular bluegrass performer and noted luthier Rick Faris is set to be inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame as part of their 2024 class. Induction will take place during a ceremony and concert on Saturday, April 20 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS.

Faris, who until recently lived in Topeka, is a life long bluegrass artist who got his start with his family band as a boy. After 12 years with the Faris Family Bluegrass Band, Rick took a job with Special Consensus and spent the next 11 years touring with them, first on mandolin and then guitar. He credits his time with Special C for allowing him to mature and grow as a vocalist and a stage MC, though he chose to pursue a career as a solo artist in 2021.

Signed with Dark Shadow Recording, the three albums under his name have produced hit after hit on bluegrass radio, the most recent his bluegrass cover of The Power of Love.

As a luthier, Faris has recently been honored to accept a position holding down the new Kentucky Guitar Works @ The Center for Lutherie in Owensboro, KY. There he will build his Faris Guitars in a custom-built shop that will make the process of building and repairing instruments something the public can watch as it happens. Rick will also supervise apprentices who come to learn the craft in Owensboro.

He joins a class in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame that includes jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson, artistic director Ric Averill, jazz singer and songwriter Angela Hagenbach, Latin band Son Venezuela, and doo woo group The Scamps.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2004 and describes their purpose as follows:

The mission of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame is to honor the music, musicians and related institutions that have made a significant contribution to Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area. Our purpose is to recognize those of the past, present, and encourage those of the future.

Many congratulations to Rick Faris, and all the inductees into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

Rick Faris to Katie K Wrangles

Katie Kirchner continues to makes waves in bluegrass for her new talent agency, Katie K. Wrangles, by signing singer and songwriter Rick Faris to her roster.

This addition marks the third Dark Shadow Recording artist to join the team, following Becky Buller and Full Cord, her original client, and with whom she often performs. The agency grew out of her success keeping Full Cord busy on the road, which she now operates as a full time business.

Faris has steadily built a career in bluegrass music over the years, starting with an apprenticeship in his family’s touring band as a teenager. Alongside his parents and four brothers, he learned to play the many instruments used in a bluegrass band, and to sing lead and harmony vocals, as they played all over the country from their home in the Ozarks. From there, Rick spent 11 years performing with Special Consensus, where he developed his songwriting as well as his professionalism under the tutelage of Special C founder and banjo player Greg Cahill.

Throughout all these ventures he also dedicated himself to building and repairing instruments, and recently accepted a newly created position to build his Faris Guitars as part of the new Kentucky Guitar Works @ the Center for Lutherie in Owensboro, KY.

Of this latest partnership with Kirchner he says…

“I love bluegrass music in its entirety. I can’t choose what I love doing more…building instruments, songwriting, or performing. With commitments mounting and everything needing my time and attention, instead of choosing one over the other, I chose to build a team who can help me continue to enjoy all the things I love!

The talented team at Katie K. Wrangles inspire great confidence and give new drive with booking, organizing, and promoting the Rick Faris Band. I’m super excited for our partnership moving forward and I’m so thankful for more time spent with my family, writing songs, and building guitars. All you amazing festivals give Katie a call.

I’m honored to be among the stellar and diverse roster of Katie K. Wrangles.”

Katie speaks quite highly of her newest signee.

“Rick Faris is a true bluegrass luminary, and I am proud to represent him. His talent, excitement, and dedication to the genre are remarkable, and I believe that with my support, he will continue to inspire fans and musicians alike worldwide. This is a perfect fit for my agency.”

For further information about Rick Faris, contact Katie K. Wrangles online.

Faris Guitar Co moving to Kentucky Guitar Works

Rick Faris has had quite a run in bluegrass music. Still a fairly young man, he has gone from playing in his family’s band as a teen, to touring the world with Special Consensus, to being a successful solo recording and touring artist on his own. Gifted with a natural musical ability and a very pleasant singing voice, Rick is also a natural entertainer, and a warm and welcoming person admired by everyone he works alongside.

But all along the way he has held on to his “day job,” one that is flexible with his travel schedule and perfectly suits his artistic and creative impulses. For as long as he has been playing stringed instruments, Faris has also been repairing and maintaining them, and more recently building his own custom guitars based on the classic prewar dreadnaught model.

Just this week Rick has announced that he is accepting a new position in Owensboro, KY to pursue his craft, and build his Faris Guitars as part of the new Kentucky Guitar Works @ the Center for Lutherie.

Rick says that he has been offered an opportunity that he can’t resist.

“Everyone is becoming familiar with who I am as a performing artist and songwriter, but a lot of folks still don’t know that I am also a luthier, and spend a great deal of time building and repairing guitars and other stringed instruments. We are super excited to announce that the Faris family is moving to Owensboro, Kentucky to become the Artist in Residence at Kentucky Guitar Works.

At Kentucky Guitar Works I will be building my Faris Guitars, but I will also be offering guitar building workshops, courses, and luthier panels to educate and share information with the wider luthier community, to improve the vastly growing private luthier sector of this amazingly rewarding craft.

This latest announcement is an amazing opportunity for this other love of my life. Owensboro has recently rebranded as ‘The Bluegrass Music Capitol of the World’ to surround their town, which is a stone’s throw away from Rosine, KY, in the identity of the bluegrass community, with the aimpoint of fostering bluegrass growth and development.”

Those who have visited Owensboro to explore the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum may already be aware of the location of Kentucky Guitar Works. Just a few blocks from the Hall of Fame, it resides in the building that had previously housed the Museum before their new facility opened in 2018.

Rick will have access to an 1800 sq ft shop at KGW, which will also be open to visitors who can watch the ongoing work in progress. Like the Museum, there will be a pickin’ parlor set up where visitors can jam, and try out instruments for sale. Davies County Kentucky and the City of Owensboro are deeply involved in this venture along with regional tourism agencies and local businesses, which they believe will be a natural draw for visitors interested in the craft of lutherie, and a natural add-on to a trip to the Hall of Fame.

They have named Faris as a permanent artist in residence, where he will also be in a position to supervise apprentices and lead workshops, as well as offering his own repair and restoration services along with new, custom made guitars. His formal training had been under the tutelage of such renowned luthiers as Leo Posch of Leo Posch Stringed Instruments, Steve Mason of Mossman Guitars, and Jim Bagger of Mass Street Music.

Rick says that he is looking forward to this upcoming move, and his new position.

“Although I come from the vibrant NE Kansas lutherie scene, I am joining a great community in Western Kentucky that has some real amazing luthiers that I can’t wait to get to know better, and tap for tons of great education seminar opportunities.”

Remodeling is currently underway at Kentucky Guitar Works, with an official launch in January of 2024. Rick says that he expects that everything will be in place for full operation by springtime, with visitors welcome to come check out the shop.

Once things are fully operational, Kentucky Guitar Works expects to bring in other builders and craftspeople to work in the facility, and build apprentice programs for those interested in pursuing lutherie as a career.

Congratulations to Rick Faris, Faris Guitar Co, and Kentucky Guitar Works, and best of luck to them all in Owensboro.

Uncommon Sky – Rick Faris

Rick Faris has been increasingly gaining momentum these last few years as one of bluegrass music’s premier talents. His third solo release, Uncommon Sky, casts an even greater focus on his compositional abilities, while continuing to demonstrate his masterful vocals and musicianship.

The project opens with Don’t Hold Back, co-authored by Faris and beloved bluegrass personality Evan Dickerson. This uplifting song about leaning on the heavenly Father for wisdom and counsel introduces us to the core backing band on this recording. Along with Rick on guitar and lead vocals, he is supported by his brother, Eddie Faris, and Ben James on harmony vocals, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, Zak McLamb on upright bass, Harry Clark on mandolin, and Luke Munday on banjo.

The Power of Love comes from the repertoire of the iconic pop rock band, Huey Lewis and the News. Faris gives this song a strong bluegrass treatment. Stephen Mougin contributes wonderful baritone harmony to this track.

Please Don’t Say Goodbye has a message of not giving up on love despite whatever trials a couple may face in their relationship. This track pairs Rick with Dani Flowers and also features excellent dobro backing from Jerry Douglas. Misery-Go-Round has a similar and very clever message. The latter track features Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Russ Carson on banjo.

Too Lonely, Way Too Long is one of the highlights of this project. Featuring Rick along with the legendary Del McCoury on tenor vocals, this track shows both of these powerhouse vocalists at their absolute best. Jerry Douglas again contributes some incredibly tasteful playing to this song.

Given that Rick is a native of Kansas, it’s no surprise two of the songs featured on this recording revolve around that state. Kansas Cornfields, co-authored with Rick Lang, tells the story of Rick’s grandfather, Edward Faris, and the many long hard hours he worked both at the farm and in the mines. Topeka Twister, written again with Dickerson, recounts the tale of the tornado that hit downtown Topeka in 1966.

You Can’t Slow The River Down, also co-written with Lang, discusses that life will go in whatever direction it wants to go, and that we have to be willing to roll with it and have gratitude. It’s one of several songs on this album with a strongly positive message.

This recording closes with I’m Not Waiting ‘Round, a barn burner of a song which talks of not wasting your time with someone who doesn’t love or respect you. This track in particular features blistering instrumental performances from Russ Carson on banjo and Harry Clark on mandolin.

Rick Faris is one who continually shows growth in every avenue of his craft. Uncommon Sky presents his refined and confident identity as an artist.

Don’t Hold Back drops for Rick Faris

Dark Shadow Recording has a new single for bluegrass singer/songwriter Rick Faris, an upbeat gospel number that he wrote with Evan Dickerson.

The Missouri native grew up in bluegrass, performing with his family’s popular touring band, giving 12 years of his life while coming of age to playing with his parents and siblings. The next 11 years were given over to Special Consensus, where he played first mandolin and then guitar, offering his voice and some of his songs to the band.

But now Rick is pursuing a solo career, with his third project with Dark Shadow coming up. This latest single, Don’t Hold Back, showcases not only his clever songwriting and his engaging lead singing, we also get a nice taste of his abilities as a guitarist on this track.

It’s an inspirational song, which Faris says reflects his own prayer life and devotion, as it asks the Almighty for generous counsel.

“I always make it a point to seek correction for my betterment. I am so thankful for those who have lent me counsel and shortened my learning curve in so many areas. This great song idea came from co-writer Evan Dickerson, and it resonated with my running routine of praying and asking God to reveal where I am falling short. Boy you wanna talk about a prayer that works!”

Assisting in the studio were Luke Munday on banjo, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, Harry Clark on mandolin, and Zak McLamb on bass. Rick’s brother Eddie Faris and Ben James share harmony vocals.

It’s a good’n. Have a listen…

Don’t Hold Back is available now from popular download and streaming services online. Radio programmers will find the track at AirPlay Direct.

Too Lonely, Way Too Long from Rick Faris with Del McCoury

Dark Shadow Recordings has released a second single from their upcoming album for Rick Faris, Uncommon Sky, expected in June.

It’s a new song he’s written called Too Lonely, Way Too Long, which is about as lonely as anyone can ever hope to be. Rick demonstrates his ability to top out the tenor scale, and adds the great Del McCoury on top of that!

Faris came to wide attention during his 11 year stint with Special Consensus, during which he spent time as both the mandolin and guitar player, plus serving as a primary vocalist. He’s long credited Special C special master, Greg Cahill, with teaching him the rules of the road, professionally speaking. But Rick was already an experienced pro when he joined the Consensus, having grown up in a popular family band with his parents and three brothers.

A fun bluesy number, this new single was a thrill for Faris to cut.

“Too Lonely, Way Too Long is nothing short of a dream come true for me! Del McCoury is my favorite singer of all time! Getting to have him on my record is just sublime. This slow groovy track was set down by the legendary dobro player Jerry Douglas, major bucket list moment ticked off the list having him on my record, plussed by my amazingly talented friends Harry Clark on mandolin, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, Zak McLamb on bass, and Luke Munday on banjo. I wrote this song to be the swanky bluegrass groove I’ve been dreaming of my whole music career, and it was an honor to pick and sing with every one of these fine performers.”

Have a listen…

Too Lonely, Way Too Long is available now as a single from popular download and streaming services online. Radio programmers will find the track at AirPlay Direct.

Faris will celebrate the release of Uncommon Sky with a trio of concerts around the June 9 drop date – 6/8 at The Station Inn in Nashville, Lombard, Il 6/9 at the Maple Street Chapel, and 6/10 at The Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, KY.

The Power Of Love video from Rick Faris

Rick Faris – photo by Scott Simontacchi

OK all you ’80s pop and rock radio fans…

Tomorrow is the release date for the new Dark Shadow Recording single from Rick Faris, a grassed up arrangement of The Power of Love, a monster hit for Huey Lewis & The News in 1985, which was featured in the blockbuster film, Back To The Future.

It was the first #1 song for Lewis, and started a string of hits for the group that lasted several years. Those of us who recall 1985 know that the song was nearly inescapable back then, and the movie made it recognizable worldwide.

Faris has assembled a strong supporting cast for this track, the first from his next project, Uncommon Sky. With Rick on guitar and vocal, we also have Luke Munday on banjo, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, Harry Clark on mandolin, and Zak McLamb on bass. Faris and Stephen Mougin add vocal harmonies.

Rick tells us that he had a blast cutting this one.

“This is a song of my childhood from one of my favorite movies. This song was so much fun to reimagine with Stephen Mougin producing the plot, and the amazing cast of friends acting out with their talents and personalities. Grab your shades and ’80s-anthem-out with us.”

It’s as much of a good time bluegrass as it was as a movie theme. Check out the video of them in the studio.

The Power of Love from Rick Faris will be available February 24 from popular download and streaming services online.

The full Uncommon Sky project is expected in June.