Robert Connely Farr, hailing from the legendary blues town of Bolton, Mississippi, brings forth his latest musical endeavor titled “Shake It.” Dedicated to the late Mississippi Big Blues Mane, RL Boyce, a friend and mentor, this album pays homage to the roots of Delta Blues, capturing the raw essence of the genre.
Farr’s approach to the album is unapologetically authentic, mirroring the spirit of juke joint performances where the magic unfolds in real-time. The Pandora Sessions, inspired by Farr’s time in Bentonia playing alongside Jimmy Duck Holmes and RL Boyce, embody the spontaneity and groove that define the heart of the blues. The album becomes a sonic documentation of unwritten and unrehearsed material, emerging from the organic process of sitting down to play.
The stripped-down nature of the recording, done with vintage mics and amps, adds a genuine quality to “Shake It.” Far from a glossy studio production, this album resonates with the grassroots spirit of blues—no big-time studio, record label, or excessive resources. It’s a testament to the kind of music forged in the crucible of dedication and love for the craft.
Robert Connely Farr’s deep roots in the Bentonia Blues, mentored by Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, permeate every note of “Shake It.” The album showcases Farr’s commitment to capturing the essence of the blues at its point of origin. It’s an unfiltered, unadulterated journey into the soul of Mississippi blues.
The opening covers, Charley Patton’s ‘Screaming & Hollering’ and Jimmy “Duck” Holmes’ ‘Going Away To Leave You,’ pay homage to Farr’s mentors, setting the stage for the original compositions that follow. The gravelly voice and howling guitar, accompanied by Farr’s band “The Dirty Dirty,” create sonic landscapes that vividly narrate tales of swamps, catfish, and spirits dancing in the sky.
“Shake It” unfolds over nine tracks, a tight 30-minute journey that packs a punch. The album hints at themes of love and suffering in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis, adding a personal layer to the blues narrative. Tracks like ‘Lefty’ and the title track ‘Shake It’ showcase Farr’s resilience and grit, embodying the spirit of a man who has faced life’s challenges head-on.