Photo Credit: Fred Segel

The Reverend Shawn Amos has released a new single that previews his forthcoming album, Soul Brother No. 1, due in 2024. The song, entitled “Revelation,” features a deep and consistent groove, presenting the developed instrumentation of a unique group of players who understand and embrace the blues-laden approach their bandleader is known for. 

Amos dips into his funkier side across the impending album, delivering a collection of music that presents themes of love, hope and concern. In doing so, Amos tapped his longtime guitarist, Chris “Doctor” Roberts, drummer Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), James “Wyzard” Seay (Mother’s Finest)  on bass, and Dapo Torimiro on B3, to assist with melding the desired sound. 

’Revelation’ is the heaviest groove I’ve ever recorded. A dark beast” offered Amos via press release. “Darkness and light always duking it out. It’s [a] dangerous thing when you discover your own power, keeping it in check. It probably should be called ‘John The Revelator, Pt. 2.’ I imagined Son House in the vocal booth with me—30 years younger—fighting together for our souls.”

Amos is the son of cookie entrepreneur and music agent Wally “Famous” Amos–a part of his life that has inspired a pair of books using autobiographical elements to capture the essence of his experience growing up in 1970s Hollywood, Cookies & Milk, and Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous. 

“I benefit from still remembering all of my childhood feelings so clearly,” says Amos. “I’m still a recovering child with direct access to those frustrations, memories, and emotions. I’ve been certain about one thing from the beginning: write books that respect the intelligence, curiosity, and complexity of middle graders’ minds.

Check out the video for “Revelation” below and learn more about the Cookies & Milk series here.