Robert Connely Farr’s track “Ain’t No Other Way” sets the stage with its slow grungy blues vibes that immediately establish a moody atmosphere. The sublime vocal delivery leads the song forward, captivating listeners with its emotive power. The energy of the bass adds a gritty yet lazy quality, enhancing the overall mood of the composition.
Hailing from Bolton, Mississippi, Farr carries the musical heritage of his hometown, which boasts legendary figures such as Charley Patton, Sam Chatmon, Bo Carter, and Walter Vinson. Since 2017, Farr has been mentored by Mississippi bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes in the Bentonia Style of the Delta Blues, a lesser-known style directly passed down from Henry Stuckey, who also taught Skip James.
Farr’s musical journey gained significant recognition with the release of his album “Dirty South Blues” in 2018, which garnered immediate critical acclaim. He had the honor of performing at Jimmy Duck Holmes’ Bentonia Blues Festival and received a nomination for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year at Canada’s prestigious Maple Blues Awards. However, Farr’s momentum was halted by a cancer diagnosis and emergency surgery, underscoring the resilience and determination that fuel his musical pursuits.
Undeterred by adversity, Farr released three albums in 2020, culminating in the 16-track masterpiece “Country Supper.” The album received accolades, landing on numerous “Best of 2020” lists and earning praise from critics. Now, Farr returns with his ninth studio album, “Shake It,” recorded at the renowned Hipposonic Music in Vancouver BC. Accompanied by his longtime bandmates Jay Bundy Johnson on drums and Tom Hillifer on bass, Farr dives deep into his roots and delivers a collection of songs that pay homage to his mentors, as well as his own introspective compositions inspired by his cancer diagnosis.
With nine songs clocking in at 30 minutes, “Shake It” features covers of Charley Patton’s “Screaming & Hollering” and Jimmy “Duck” Holmes’ “Going Away To Leave You,” along with six original tracks penned by Farr. The album takes listeners on a sonic journey that encapsulates the sounds of Farr’s home and concludes with a Tommy McClennan cover, “Sugar Mama.”
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