Through original and classic songs, Mark Merryman, a seasoned guitar player, presents entertaining anecdotes that capture the multidimensional aspects of life in the west; songs inspired by journeys along the fringes of scenic byways.
For forty years Mark Merryman has been an independent performer, recording artist, songwriter and composer on the Colorado Front Range. Proficient in many styles on the guitar (2005 Swallow Hill Flat Picking Champion), his songs present an interesting variety with influences including swing, bluegrass, folk rock, early 70s and old school country. Former bands include Off Centre Family Band, Down Home Again, Fret
Knot, RC Project, Mark Merryman and the Canyon Rats, Quickdraw Homegrown Music, OTC Varmitz. Mark is now freelancing, performing solo, working in his art studio and on the recording production of his songs and instrumental compositions.
His latest band is Dad Burn It with Bill Burnside.
Discography (available through your favorite digital download provider):
Fret Knot Fret Knot
RC Project RC Project
Scenic Byways Mark Merryman and the Canyon Rats
Good For What Ails You Quickdraw Homegrown Music
Also included in  CBMS compilations 2001, 2003 and 2007
Quotes:
"Absolute or relative...Merryman knows for sure how to construct a catchy tune." Westword Magazine
"Merryman aims for the top shelf." Aspen Times
"Leading Locals...Colorado Country Talent" Rocky Mountain News
"Mark's songs strike you as familiar, then get interesting." Sweet Fanny Adams
"This music puts my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground!" some hippie
"I don't normally like music but I like what you do." some redneck
The Canyon Ratz with Michi Regier at
Swallow Hill
 |
The Canyon Ratz with Roxanne Staples at Las Hada
(photo
by Kim Davison) |
Mark Merryman and the Canyon Ratz
Mark Merryman and the Canyon Ratz:
Wade Krause,
Sandy Reay,
Mark Merryman,
Mark
Mortensen, Jeff Ingram
Fat Frog, July 11, 2008
(photo by Kim Davison)
"MARK’S MUSIC REVEALS A GENTLE VOLUNERABILITY FAR
TOO LONG PROTECTED; A SENSE OF HUMOR SHARED BY A POSSE OF LIGHT HEARTED
DEEP THINKERS WHO, LIKE MARK, ARE TRYING TO TELL A UNIVERSE OF FELLOW
SOULS IT’S GONNA BE OK!
"SONGS OF REMINICENSE AND CELEBRATION…TO PUT TOGETHER
THESE OBSERVATIONS AND RECOLLECTIONS OF LIFE IN SUCH AN INNOCENT AND
ENJOYABLE FORM UNDOUBTABLY TOOK GENIOUS AND YEARS OF EXPLORATION, NOT
TO MENTION THE ACTUAL LIVING OF THESE WONDERFUL STORIES.
"MARK’S SONGS ARE A JOY TO LISTEN TO, NO WASTED
WORDS, YET THE STORIES HE TELLS ARE PAINTED WITH AN INTRICATE PALLETE
OF COLOR. SHORTLY AFTER YOU PUSH THIS CD INTO YOUR DASH YOU WILL FEEL
LIKE YOUR RIDING WITH ONE OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS.
"ITS FUN TO PICK OUT MARK’S SIGNATURE LYRICAL TWISTS,
WHETHER THEY ARE THE ADDITION OF A SINGLE, COMICALLY MADE TO SOUND LIKE
AN AFTER THOUGHT, OR AN ENTIRE MUSICAL FORM TYPICALLY RESERVED FOR SOMBER
REFLECTION WHICH MERRYMAN, INSTEAD, USES TO CELEBRATE LIFE.
"THIS CD IS GUARANTEED TO RAISE THE HEARTS, SPIRITS AND
EYEBROWS OF ALL WHO ARE WISE ENOUGH TO ADD IT TO THEIR MUSIC COLLECTION."
— Comments by Wade Krauss, music therapy practitioner
Greely Bluegrass Festival, May, 2005
 |
 |
Swallow Hill Winners Concert,
Jan. 20, 2006 (photos by Reggie Ruth Barrett) |
Picture a worry free music experience…these fine musicians have
been playing around the Colorado Rocky Mountains and south eastern Utah
since 1993, focusing on a modern bluegrass sound. Founded by Mark Epstein
and Mark Merryman in 1993 with a primary goal to have fun playing acoustic
music, the group has gone through some changes but has continued to
meet that prime directive - to have fun!
"The variety the band displayed at the festival sets
them apart from the other performers" — Durango Meltdown
"Finger blistering licks…heart rendered vocals…the
women swooned" — Black Rose Society
"Some good original music from Colorado. If you like
good Acoustic Music, this CD is for you…" — CD review
by Robert Lee Johnson — The Guitar Man
Presenting songs by Robert Clousing-songs that stimulate visual images
of beauty; from the beaches of sunny Brazil to the desert canyons of
the great southwest. The creativity of the contributing artists reflects
the flow of universal harmony, inspired by the spirit from which the
songs flow. A message for the sharing of love; love of the land and
love of life, and most of all, love for each other. With every beat
of the heart, the wind will blow, the stars will shine!
The lineup includes: John Magnie-keys and accordion, Rashad Eggleston-cello,
Roxanne Staples-flute, Ari Dvorin-sax, Bruce Lish-sax, David Snyder-banjo
and harmonica, Jim Craighead-fiddle, Linda Malinski-background vocal,
and Mark Hutchinson- mandolin. |
Mark Merryman
