I've been busy in the studio this past month with co-producer Dan Whittemore, putting final touches on the Faith Healers new record, with a revised release date set for January. The album features 6 originals and 6 covers, including a deep groove version of Joe Sample's Put It Where You Want It and a soulful electric violin-based rendition of John Coltrane's Naima. We recorded a very swampy version of the Cajun/Creole standard Joe Blon; and pay tribute to Cesar Chavez with our version of Concion Misteca. The originals groove, rock and flow with strains of Zydeco, Tex-Mex, New Orleans and East Texas Soul. As guitarist Joe Jewell puts it, the common denominator in this band is "a very Muscle Shoals kind of sound."

The band and I were recently in the big ole back performance room at Griffith Park Recorders in Glendale, filming videos with director Ron Mulvihill. The first video, Muddy and the Devil, is posted here on this site, with more releases to follow. We are loving this band, the material, the music, and most significantly, playing with soulful energy, unwavering pocket and groove. I know we talk about pocket and groove incessantly, but as you listen to our music, you'll understand why.

More than anything, the Faith Healers want to earn your ears and appreciation. Take a listen, follow us and stay tuned. We won't disappoint, I guarantee. - Jim Shirey