By Mike Hyland

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 3, 2000) - Two albums released by Nashville-based MRL Records have been nominated for the first Music City Blues Awards in the Album of the Year category. The nominated albums include "Ain't No Stranger" by guitarist Jimmy Nalls and "Satisfied" by Rick Moore & Mr. Lucky. Additionally, Nalls' album was also nominated for Blues Album of the Year by the Nashville Music Awards.

"We are thrilled to receive recognition for our music by both the Nashville Music Awards and the Music City Blues Society," said MRL Records owner and artist Rick Moore. "Both projects have contributed to the success of our still-growing label and both have been internationally accepted which is also very gratifying."

"Ain't No Stranger" was produced by Phil Dillon and Jimmy Nalls and released in August, 1999. Nalls, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, was unable to tour to support the release, but garnered airplay throughout the country and around the world. "Ain't No Stranger" was Nalls first solo album. He was an original member of Sea Level as well as a member of the NightHawks.

"Satisfied" is the second release by Rick Moore & Mr. Lucky. Produced by Jimmy Nalls, Rick Moore, Phil Dillon and Snake King, the disc was released in January, 2000. The group has been on the road supporting the album playing festivals and clubs throughout the country.

Another nomination in the MRL Records family was for former Mr. Lucky harmonica player Will Rhodarmer who was nominated for Music City Blues Society Harmonica Player of the Year. Rhodarmer played on the "Slow Burnin' Fire" and "Satisfied" albums by Rick Moore & Mr. Lucky.

MRL Records was established by Moore in 1997 and has since released four CD's and a compilation project. The label is currently being distributed by Rock Bottom Distribution in Georgia and PaulStarr Distributing in Minnesota.