SHEFFIELD-The iconic recording Studio at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama is preparing for an epic five-night recording session with up-and-coming southern rock band Bishop Gunn. The band, which performed for a capacity crowd at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in 2016, considers this area “the mecca of music.” They are quickly gaining regional and national recognition and are considered the “band to watch” by many music business executives.
The sessions will take place July 20-25th. Since opening in January Dan Auerbach, Donnie Fritts, and Musician/Actor Keiffer Sutherland have recorded in the Studio.
Grammy- winning producer Mark Neill and Grammy nominated Producer Casey Wasner will be in the control booth for the recording sessions. Neill produced the Grammy winning Black Keys, “Brothers” album in 2009 that was in large part recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound. Neill is excited about working in the Muscle Shoals area again, “It’s going to be great to be back. My time at Muscle Shoals Sound was surreal and super creative. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again and being involved in a killer record with this team.” Wasner is multi-talented with credits in producing, engineering, songwriting, and as a musician touring with Keb Mo.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
The band frequently visits the Shoals and the musicians say they have been inspired by the Muscle Shoals documentary and local recording studios including FAME, the Nutthouse and Muscle Shoals Sound. Lead singer Travis McCready said they are awed by the world-class records that were recorded here. “I consider it a privilege and an honor to record at this studio because it is an integral part of the legendary sound.” Band leader and wildly energetic drummer, Burne Sharpe sees it as a rare opportunity to record in the area where so many of his influencers made hit records, “It is such a special place and we can’t wait to get in the studio and let the funk of Muscle Shoals blend with our southern rock and roll.” Guitarist Drew Smithers said, “It is my hope to make the kind of lasting mark on music as those great artists that have recorded in Muscle Shoals.” Ben Lewis completes the band as bass player.
“These guys are destined to become rock stars,” said Muscle Shoals Music Foundation chairwoman Judy Hood. “The first time I saw them they were performing at a Pilgrimage after-party in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee and the crowd was spellbound. We are beyond thrilled to have them recording at 3614 Jackson Highway.”
Bishop Gunn is fast becoming part of the Muscle Shoals community and will be on hand for the Studio’s ribbon cutting Friday July 21st at 2 p.m. A meet and greet with the band will take place on the Studio grounds on Saturday, July 22, at 3 p.m.
The studio is open for tours seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The recording sessions will begin after 5 p.m. to accommodate the hundreds of visitors who come to the studio each week.
Media Release/Muscle Shoals Sound Studio/Debbie Wilson
