That Muscle Shoals Sound Album
Since recording his first song in Nashville, TN in January 1974, Rick Revel has released fifteen albums and a dozen singles in the past fifty years. In Cashbox and other national charts, he has had five songs in the top ten, two in the top twenty, and two in the top forty.
Charlie Daniels once said, “Rick Revel is one of the most prolific songwriters to come to Nashville in many years”. Considering he has written over 1,500 songs, Sy Rosenberg, former manager for Charlie Rich, tagged him with the nickname, “The Tunesmith”.
His songwriting, vocal performance, acting and film production talents have won nearly eighty awards in 2023 and 2024 alone. “History Highway”, the hit TV show that he hosts, has won twelve awards for “Best Web/TV Series” during that period.
At the 2024 Mississippi Music Awards, after receiving the Best Mississippi Blues Award for the second year in a row, Jay Osmond of the famous Osmond Brothers commented, “Rick Revel is a great entertainer.” After performing at one of her sold-out concerts, Loretta Lynn called him, “An entertainer’s entertainer”. Once you hear and see him in action, you will understand why other entertainers speak so highly of the man known as The Tunesmith.
Always stretching his boundaries, Rick is not afraid to cross genres of music. Over the years, he has played Bluegrass, Christian Country, Traditional Country, Civil War era, Gospel, Rock-A-Billy, and Singing Cowboy (Western). His diversity has earned him the 2024 Josie Awards nomination for Americana Vocalist of the Year.
His latest album, “That Muscle Shoals Sound”, is considered to be his best project ever and adds the genres of Blues, Outlaw Country, Southern Rock and a taste of R&B to the list The Tunesmith is writing and performing. So, crank up the volume, Rick Revel is in the house!
By RON HANEY [BLUES/ROCK-A-BILLY GUITARIST, RADIO PERSONALITY & AUTHOR]
Spending the last several decades in the fields of music and broadcasting I have come to look for three qualities present in the creative work of music artists. First of all, genuineness followed by the ability of an artist to move their audience in profound ways and finally a deep lying passion evidenced in the art said artist creates.
From knowing, working with and experiencing the talent, dedication and genuineness of my friend Rick Revel over the past time we have known each other, I can say he qualifies beautifully with his art and music.
While Rick possesses a most impressive body of work in music, performing arts and more his latest musical recording project, “That Muscle Shoals Sound” showcases his ability to, once again, redefine himself artistically in the realms of musical performance and songwriting. The album carries ten examples of what Rick Revel is all about when it comes to expressing his creative ability to his audience.
From the first cut (the title cut) Rick takes the listener on a sight and sound journey few music lovers ever experience with today’s new releases regardless of the genre. The songs are raw blues, gutsy rock and roll and full of a Southern boy’s heartfelt feelings and experiences that occupy the life of this untamed spirit.
I have to say that on this project it all comes out in the form of Rick’s excellent songwriting and musicianship that will be heralded by his multitudes of fans as his finest effort to date.
The title of this project could easily have been, “True To Himself”, as each song, lyric and performance found here remains true to Rick’s personal calling as a musician, songwriter and genuine American artist, something we music lovers all need more and more of today!
VICTORIA HALLMAN [RECORDING ARTIST, FORMER HEE HAW HONEY]
As I listened to Rick Revel’s new album (That Muscle Shoals Sound), the word ‘home’ comes to mind. Every song is a home run. Even better, his music takes me home because I’m an Alabama girl and there’s just something special about the music we make down here. Rick’s music has that unmistakable special something.
Rick has known Ron Haney for a couple of decades or longer. First as a radio personality from Jackson, TN and later as a killer left-handedguitarist. The above video is a jam session they played in together along with W.S. Holland, who was Johnny Cash's drummer for many years.
JILL SANTIBANEZ [CEO/HOST, NASHVILLE ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY] TV Show
Without a doubt Rick Revel definitely encompassed the Muscle Shoals sound in his new album (That Muscle Shoals Sound). He can crossover from Rock to Country, to Blues music effortlessly. He has quite the vocal range.
As a multi-talented musician, Rick has proven to be a very skilled harmonica player, which adds another great element to his blues music. Working with a great Muscle Shoals recording studio (Wishbone Recording Studio), he has obtained the best recordings possible for his music.
When it comes to his songwriting, it is evident he is very creative and has a great appreciation for American History as well as the history of music and how it's evolved. "The Father Of The Blues" is my personal favorite on the album. The lyrics tell a great story, and the music and vocals on the song are timeless.
The music video associated with "The Father Of The Blues" is well made and reveals great ‘behind the scenes’ of Rick in action in the recording studio, as well as the historic pictures and film of W. C. Handy.
In a nutshell, Rick Revel really brings it to his shows when he entertains. He personifies the true meaning of a professional artist, from his wardrobe, style, preparedness, and quality of music.
CHRISTOPHER ROBERT
[ONSTAGE INTERVIEWS PODCAST]
I totally agree with some of the music insiders, “That Muscle Shoals Sound” is one of the best albums to come out of Muscle Shoals in many years. Rick’s vocals are smooth and have that rock progression we all love! His songwriting places lyrics perfectly, and the sound is harmonic. I especially love “Hard Times In The Deep South”. I also love “That Muscle Shoals Sound.”, but my favorite is “The Father Of The Blues.”
I really enjoy speaking with Rick. MAN! I could listen to his storytelling all day! If I needed someone to narrate my life, it would be Rick himself. As he shared his story and life message, combined with his voice’s tone, melodies, and lyrics, it felt like ‘Elvis’ reborn! He’s a great entertainer. LOVED IT!
RUSSELL GULLEY [RECORDING ARTIST/THE JACKSON HIGHWAY BAND]
Rick Revel's new album (That Muscle Shoals Sound) is definitely Southern Rock in the tradition of Muscle Shoals where Skynyrd, Blackfoot and others started their recording careers. The production by Billy Lawson is first rate featuring strong guitar arrangements and excellent mastering. Sounding like the early days of the 70s. Rick's a true storyteller and his songs help preserve the Southern storyline. Definitely true to Rick's character as a Southern Patriot.
My favorite song is Southern Man (in a strange land). It brings all the heritage forward into current times. Save the heritage is true to Rick's core feelings. Rick has a very unique voice, kinda distinctive like Willie Nelson. While it may not be the element that first grabs the listener's attention, but the themes of his songwriting combined with the excellent soundtrack are all brought together by his distinctive voice.
TERRY HUDSON
[OWNER/MANAGER/ PROGRAM DIRECTOR] of five radio stations in Tennessee and Alabama for twenty-five years.
Born and raised in northwest Tennessee, Rick Revel has brought thousands of hours of great music to his many fans! Now with the release of his new album, “That Muscle Shoals Sound”, he is taking his talents to the next level. Southern rock, southern gothic, love songs, the pain of the blues, Rick covers it all and does it like the seasoned musician he is!
If you were ever a Skynyrd fan, listened to John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat, Tony Joe White's guttural growls or the swamp sound of John Fogerty, you have found your happy place with this album.
I particularly like the title cut with the stinging guitars, the clever play on words of Love at First Kiss and my favorite Singing River which details what has been lost in southern music. Not every cut is a gem, but there is plenty to help you remember what you loved about Southern Rock in the first place. Check out his videos on YouTube and download “That Muscle Shoals Sound” today.
My recommendation........PLAY IT LOUD!!!
DAVID HEAVENER
[HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR/ACTOR] winner of Best Picture and Best Director “The Last Evangelist, Part Two”
I loved the Muscle Shoals sound in the 70’s and 80’s and this album (That Muscle Shoals Sound) bring it back. As a songwriter Rick is fantastic. I love his deep Blues vocals, especially on the songs “The Cowboy Blues” and “Southern Man”, this is his groove, this is his essence. If Blues and Southern Rock are your bag, you will be moved by Rick Revel’s performance.
PATRICK GORMAN
[AWARD WINNING ACTOR, SIXTY YEAR VETERAN OF FILM AND THEATRE, PORTRAYED GENERAL JOHN BELL HOOD, GODS AND GENERALS]
I really don’t follow the Country Music scene even though I was in one of George Straight’s music videos. Rick Revel’s sound and style is immediately recognizable. Congratulations Rick on the album and a wonderful career!!!
You are the Spirit of the South!!!
Upon truly dissecting the album I find that Rick Revel is one of the last real troubadours from this area left. His songwriting really captures that familiar feel that North Mississippi, Memphis and Muscle Shoals has always pumped out. You know that rough, bluesy, muddy river sound. His voice to me is in storytelling mode. Like, you just wanna listen to what he has to say. As the first song on the album testifies, “That Muscle Shoals Sound”.
His harmonica playing is environmentally correct. I mean to say that, for this area, blues/country/Muscle Shoals, he hits every note just right. It commands you to tap your feet. To really get involved in the music. Who can say no to that? His delivery of each and every tune moves you. He captures the listener with his enthusiasm and stage presence. He truly makes the audience feel as if he is personally speaking to each and every one individually.
I’d have to say that I agree with many other industry insiders when I say that this is truly one of the best albums to come out of Muscle Shoals in years. It is well produced by both Rick Revel and the legendary Billy Lawson. This album had no choice. It HAD to be great
MARTIN PASCHALL
[MUSIC TEACHER, PUBLIC EDUCATOR] for forty years. Rick's band teacher in grade school and high school.
I had a forty-year career as a public-school music teacher, and I taught marching band, concert band, jazz band, and guitar. Early in my career, I had a young man join my band class to play in the percussion section, and I could see almost instantly he was a special talent. He also played guitar, so on a few days after class, he and I would play and sing, and he was more advanced than any of my other students at that age.
His name was Ricky Revel and if memory serves, he was just 14 years old at the time. Rick was a gifted student, a natural but untrained musician, and I have followed his musical journey ever since. He has performed for countless audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and he is a versatile, professional entertainer. He’s proficient on several instruments, and can perform in many genres, both instrumentally and vocally. His incredible growth as a musician and entertainer is obvious in the progression of his recordings, and his latest album “That Muscle Shoals Sound” is living proof of that. Congratulations, Rick! Keep up the good work! I’m proud of you.