Rick Marcel

Interview by The Heat Seekers

Experienced Singer, Guitarist, and Bassist

Hailing from Rochester, New York, Rick Marcel spent most of his upbringing listening to Salsa, Jazz, Blues, Pop and Soul music. At the age of 12, he began sneaking in to local clubs and venues sitting in with adult bands and refining his Vocal, Bass and Guitar skills. He started his first band (The Radiance Band) at the age of 13 along with two of his closest friends - Drummer, Tony Howard and Bassist, Scot D. Brown performing at countless venues across upstate New York. They caught the eye of one of the biggest Promoters in the world, Mr. Alan Haymon who booked them as opening acts for well-known entertainers such as Maze, Millie Jackson, SOS Band and Kashif. They also played at many local colleges throughout upstate New York.

Rick moved to Houston in 1993 and became the Guitar and Bass sound of Southern Modern Hip Hop working for such labels as Rap A Lot Records – UGK, Pimp C, Bun B, Slim Thug, Ghetto Boys, Bushwick Bill, Will D, and Scarface, Short Stop Records – PH Factor and Lil O and later in 1998 he was introduced to Cash Money Records by Papa Reu where he sparked a Musical/Producer relationship with Mannie Fresh producing such Artists as Lil Wayne, BG, Big Tymers, Juvenile, Mack 10, Tina Marie, and Turk just to name a few. You can also hear Rick on records with artists such as Chris Walker, Marcus Anderson, Regina Belle, Lady E, Stellar Award Winner -James Fortune, Natalie, The Las Vegas Mass Choir, Bridgette Taylor, Gary Mayes, Ed Montgomery, Sheila Moore Piper, Kyle Turner, and DW3.

Rick would later tour with the Hall of Famers The Isley Brothers in 2010 as the replacement for Ernie Isley. He has also toured and worked with Legends such as Charlie Wilson, The Jackson’s, Stephanie Mills, Kool & The Gang, Kenny Lattimore, Deniece Williams and the late Ali Woodson of the Temptations. He is a regular on many Cruises such as The Dave Koz & Friends Cruise, Smooth Jazz Cruise and Soul Train Cruise.

Rick currently splits his time between Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California where he is frequently seen sitting in with Bands such as DW3, Michael Lington, L.A Collective and Scott Gertner’s All Stars.

Rick also has his own music that he arranges, writes and produces as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. His “Made For You” CD and “Love Letter” CD is a cross between Jazz Fusion and R&B.

Rick, thank you for taking time out of your day to talk to us.

The Heat Seekers: You have been in the industry for decades, tell us what made you decide to be serious about the music industry?

Rick Marcel: Growing Up in Rochester there was so many Bands & venues to play and a great black owned Radio Station named WDkX Radio which has no limits of what they would play Musically. I played in clubs at 13. Music choose Me from day 1. What made Me serious was being influenced By great Bands like, The Isley Brothers, Kool & The Gang, Cameo, Gap Band, and Prince. I would end up working later on with all these Artists.

THS: You have had great success over the years with many artists. Tell us more about your experiences?

RM: My first real experience, was working as a session musician at Paisley Park Studio with Prince at 18 years old, which changed My life. He was a task master, allowing Me to play Guitar and Bass and overdub Background Vocals on tracks. Never toured with Him. My first real Tour was with Ron Isley, filling in for Ernie Isley. After that Charlie Wilson, Deniece Williams, Stephanie Mills and now, Kool & The Gang. Each Situation totally different things about the many approaches and styles of music And discipline takes on the road. I’m thankful to each and everyone of these artists for sharing their space and teaching Me.

THS: Tell us about your experience with Kool & The Gang?

RM: Tour wise this Band, I have to play more roles as a Singer, Guitarist, and Bassist. In 2018, Kool Bell came off the road for 10 months when His Wife became Sick and passed away. I had to cover His Bass chair, which taught Me so much so many grooves and swing elements inside the music they make, which makes it special and timeless hits. Also, learning from the Late Ronald Khalis Bell, Funky George Brown, and Robert Kool Bell as well as other amazing Members of the Band. I have to always keep all My Skills sharp at all times.

THS: What has been the most memorable moment for you while working with artists?

RM: There is so Many… like Singing a Duet with the great Stephanie Mills, she’s a great teacher and always showing Me things about Vocal Maintenance care. She’s a master of stage. Another, was playing all of Ernie Isley’s Guitar solos, standing next to Ron Isley. Another was Charlie Wilson, singing every phrase and line to Me from “Yearnin for Your Love” Guitar Solo. Yes, Mr. Wilson knows every part! A true Pro.

THS: Who has had the most influence on your career and why?

RM: I would say that would be Prince, because I’ve never seen any one person work as hard as Him.

THS: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

RM: Patience, Prayer and Faith.

THS: What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

RM: Practice hard and study other greats as a guideline.

THS: What does a typical day in your week look like when dealing with music?

RM: It could vary from prep for A tour, Learning new Musical arrangements and prepare Mentally as well.

THS: Did you have a “I want to give up” moment in your career?

RM: When I first learned to play, because I was a late bloomer when it came to certain things about playing parts. Once I learned to let things flow, My confidence got better.

THS: What does the future hold for Rick Marcel?

RM: I wanna record & produce more music.

THS: How can fans reach you on social media?

RM: www.Rickmarcelmusic.com

THS: Any golden nuggets you would like to share with your fans?

RM: Check out My Spotify, iTunes, and all Music platforms as well as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And yes, I do reply :) :)