Member Profile

Louisiana drummer specializing in New Orleans Second Line and Funk Rhythms. Member of Allen Toussaint’s band from 1984 to 1992 performing and touring domestically and internationally. Studio drummer at the legendary Sea-Saint Recording Studio in New Orleans for over eight years. Former member of the American Federation of Musicians in New Orleans (Local 174-496).

Performed live and/or in the studio with Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, Boz Scaggs, Dr. John, Rita Coolidge, Aaron Neville, Paul Schaffer, Don Grolnick, Art Neville, Alvin Batiste, Randy Jackson, Solomon Burke, George Porter Jr., Bob Hope, George Burns, Ertha Kitt, Pete Fountain, Steve Allen, King Floyd, Earl King, Luther Kent, Irma Thomas, Jean Knight, John Goodman, Ernie K-Doe, Johnny Adams, Oliver Morgan, Frankie Ford, The Dixie Cups, Benny Spellman, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Jessie Hill, Ronnie Kole, Chuck Carbo, The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Coasters, The Sherrills, The Marvelettes, Brook Benton, Zachary Richard, The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra with Allen Toussaint, and many others. 

Performed with Allen Toussaint and other New Orleans artists in the live globally broadcast BBC special Mardi Gras to the World from the Toulouse Theater in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day in 1988, reaching an audience of over 100 million viewers.

Co-authored and published three drum method books with Roy Burns, the renowned drummer educator, clinician, and owner of Aquarian Drumheads. Burns and Farris owned Rhythmic Publications in Fullerton, CA from 1980 to 1996. The books Studio Funk Drumming, One Surface Learning and New Orleans Drumming were later published by Warner Brothers and are currently with Alfred Music.

The New Orleans Drumming project was recorded and mixed at the Sea-Saint Recording Studio in New Orleans, while the One Surface Learning project was recorded and mixed at the Los Angeles studio of Chet McCracken, drummer for The Doobie Brothers.

As an endorser for Tama Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Aquarian Drumheads facilitated drum clinics and master classes in Boston (Berklee College of Music), New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and other cities. Worked as an endorser and educator for Aquarian at NAMM shows for over ten years, promoting brand visibility, engaging with artists, and fostering industry relationships. Currently endorsing Sabian Cymbals and Sonor Drums.

Attended Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Music for three years—the alma mater of Bill Evans the iconic jazz pianist. Worked with the department and Bill Evans personally to help launch the inaugural Bill Evans Jazz Festival, now celebrating its 24th season.