With the release of Life’s Parade, his fourth solo album, Rick Faris cements his place in bluegrass music as a performer and songwriter. The songs on the album cover the gamut of bluegrass themes in a fresh way—love and heartbreak, loneliness and gratitude—sometimes offering sage advice for life.
Faris, who was named 2024 IBMA Songwriter of the Year, wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the album, most with veteran songwriter Rick Lang. Consequently, the songs echo what Faris values most, particularly family, home, and faith.
The opening track and first single release from album “Bend, Don’t Break” develops the natural metaphor of the “mighty oaks” [that survive because they] dance and sway,” noting that “tougher years. . . make tougher trees.”
