The Mercury Brothers
"If you have ever been moved by the blues, felt like you have lived that very story yourself, felt that deep down voice inside you saying: "yea, I know what he is saying", this band is for you! The Mercury Brothers are cast from that exact mold of solid gold heart and pure soul blues music. Since winning the 2005 Iowa Blues Challenge and becoming 2006 international blues challenge finalists, The Mercury Brothers have continued to establish themselves as one of the premiere acts working the blues circuit today. From their slick classic James Dean look to their ripping tones and heavy grooves, The Mercury Brothers are an act you will not soon forget. Formed in February 2005, this group of blues veterans from the Quad Cities, Illinois have gained a loyal fan base that grows with every performance. Combining a unique blend of Chicago, Texas and West Coast blues influences, The Mercury Brothers have forged a sound that is truly their own." They have broken up. Some members have formed the "Juke Joint Sinners"
Daniel Rangel - Drums (Formerly in Smooth Groove, 1st Impression,Hal Reed and Bad Luck...)
Rick Burris - Vocals And Harmonica (Formerly in Blue Fins, Dirty Dogs Band, SG and the Wiseguys.)
Wade Braggs - Guitar (Formerly in Hal Reed and Bad Luck.)
Barry Vestal - Bass (Also in Ernie Peniston Band, Bump City.)
Previously: Mark Avey - Bass (Formerly in Blue Ash Ink, Twin Towers Blues Band.)
Rick Burris at Hollars May 27th, 2005. Some more pictures from the show:
Some 2005 Shows
- Mar. 11: Hollars, 9-1
- Apr. 22: Hollars, Mercury Brothers 9-1
- Apr. 29: RIBCO, Iowa Blues Challenge: The Mercury Brothers(9pm), The Ron LaPuma Band, Smokehouse
- May 06: Hollars, 9-1
- May 27: Hollars, 9-1
Press
Quad Cities blues fans were treated to the music of three fine local bands in one night on Friday, April 29th. The Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO) hosted the Quad Cities round of this year's Iowa Blues Challenge featuring The Mercury Brothers, The Ron LaPuma Band and Smokehouse. The Mercury Brothers earned a gig at the 2005 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival and the River Rockin' Ribfest and will also advance to the IBC finals in Des Moines on May 20th. Every year, you hear someone say that it would be tough to be a judge in this competition. You keep hearing that because it's true and this year was no exception. The Mercury Brothers played the first set and thrilled the audience with Ric Burris' singing and harmonica playing. The sizzling guitar work of Wade Braggs showed that this guy seems to get better every time you hear him. A frantic drum solo from Daniel Rangel had the audience wide-eyed and the rock steady bass-lines by Mark Avey held it all together. - MVBS
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If you're into blues from the Quad Cities, you're into the Mercury Brothers. If you were surprised to learn that they won in Des Moines on May 20th, you probably never heard them before.
The band consists of a mix of Quad Cities area musicians who have all participated in the Iowa Blues Challenge with other bands. Front man Ric Burris has sang and played harmonica on the IBC stage with The Bluefins and most recently with the Dirty Dogs Band. Guitar wizard Wade Braggs played with Hal Reed and Bad Luck. Bass player Mark Avey held the bottom together with the Twin Towers Band. The band's energetic drummer, Daniel Rangel pounded out the beat with Hal Reed & Bad Luck and John Resch & the Detroit Blues.
The substantial talents of the individual members of the Mercury Brothers are magnified by the way they mesh as a group. These guys seem to get better every time they play, so by July they'll warm up the crowd in LeClaire Park with the kind of musicianship the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival audience has come to expect. When the Mercs hit the stage in Memphis next year, we can be confident that a band we can all be proud of will represent the Quad Cities and the entire state of Iowa. - MVBS
Booking
Daniel Rangel rangeldaniel21@hotmail.com