M e r c y C r e e k
Independent Music for Independent Minds
Jim Ball Cheryl Nystrom
Mercy Creek's release of their 5th CD, "Another Place to Start", marks the band's first recording since spending 14 weeks at #50 on the 2006 FMQB charts with, "Bonfire of Vanities". Their music has become a staple of clubs, satellite and terrestrial radio, as well as in retail stores such as Eddie Bauer. Play Network has reported in excess of 1 million plays of the Mercy Creek single "Summer". The new release,"Another Place to Start", continues to add to an impressive catalogue of excellent music that is written, recorded, and coproduced by the songwriting team of Cheryl Nystrom and Jim Ball.
Based in Virginia, Mercy Creek has successfully paved a musical path by creating a unique brand of music they call aggressive folk rock. Constantly writing new material, releasing major label quality recordings, and constant touring make up the band's hard work approach. A two piece act, (singer/guitarist Cheryl Nystrom, and song writing partner/drummer Jim Ball), Mercy Creek uses elements of modern folk, world beat, rock, and hints of blues and bluegrass to create a unique sound and style of music. Radio listeners and club fans enjoy the song writing, independent spirit of the band, Nystrom's impressive vocals, and Ball's dynamic drumming.
"Another Place to Start" is the 5th independent recording that the band has created with producer Paul Mahern (who has worked with Iggy Pop, John Mellencamp, Juliana Hatfield, Lisa Germano, Over the Rhine, and recent stars, The Fray). Cheryl Nystrom and Jim Ball play all the instruments on the songs that they have written for the album, making this release a close and personal body of music.
From the Americana leaning track "Green Beans" to bluesy "Cost of Living", the 10 new songs once again land squarely in the AAA music format. The band has fun on "Green Beans", where Nystrom blows jug and jaw harp on a foot stomping bluegrass tune about love and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. Folksy songwriting meets a hint of middle eastern music on the udu inspired "What About Us?". "Another Place to Start" weaves simple melodies thru all the songs, and hammers them home by layering unique instruments. like the roots banjo layered with Asian bells on "Good Enough". All the songs are driven by percussive acoustic guitar, melodic drumming, and organic percussion.
Cheryl Nystrom's skilled voice and solid guitar playing are the result of talent toned with experience. A full time music career with song writing partner Ball began immediately after high school. Nystrom plays acoustic guitar, banjo, and mandolin and delivers flawless vocals. Jim Ball developed his drum chops playing jazz fusion, and produces chest thumping low end from an African Djembe he uses as a bass drum. Brush sticks wrapped with duct tape play percussion mixed with drum kit. Mercy Creek mixes the elements of their live sound; acoustic guitar, vocals, and drum/percussion into a warm, rich organic sound that is well captured on the 10 new songs of "Another Place to Start".
Recorded Music by Mercy Creek
"name of the record is mercy creek" 1999 Production Paul Mahern
"Dirty Water" 2001 Production Paul Mahern
"Storm Has Blown Over" 2003 Production Paul Mahern
"Bonfire of Vanities" 2004/2005 Double CD Set
Disk 1 Bonfire of Vanities Production & Engineering P Mahern
Disk 2 Two for the Show Recorded July 19th, 2004 at Echo Park, Bloomington, IN
"Another Place to Start" 2008 Production Paul Mahern
& Mercy Creek
