With the release of “Bend, Don’t Break,” Rick Faris brings in a slate of bluegrass talent to back him on the first single from his upcoming album due for release in June. Recognized as the IBMA New Artist of the Year, Faris has racked up a total of 8 IBMA awards, including 2024 Songwriter of the Year. He also has two Grammy nominations and a number of SPBGMA nominations as well. The current single was co-written with Rick Lang, who calls it “a song for all humanity.”
“Bend, Don’t Break,” a strong follow-up to his last album Uncommon Sky, not only showcases Faris’ songwriting, but also his rich vocals and guitar savvy. On the single, he is backed by an all-star cast of bluegrass talent: Dan Tyminski on mandolin and harmony vocal, Ron Block on banjo, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, and Mark Schatz on bass.
The lyrics compare life’s challenges to the impact of storm and wind on the mighty oaks—resulting in deeper roots and stronger trees. The song ends with the image of the “beauty. . . under the bark” as the Creator sees “life like rings on a tree.” With an opening mandolin melody and a banjo, fiddle, and guitar breaks, the instruments undergird the uplifting message of the song.
Faris, a talented guitar maker as well as a musician, recently relocated to Owensboro, Kentucky. He continues to work with producer and engineer Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording, with mastering by Davis Glasser.
If this new release serves as a preview of the album in the works, Faris stands to solidify his place in the bluegrass community.
