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Blues-based Roots Rock.

Gumbo Funk.

Blue Merlot goes far beyond the “Blue” that’s in their name. The hallmark sound of South Louisiana based Blue Merlot is uptempo, driving, fun, and funky.

"I'm not sure how to describe it. But I like it."

Louisiana R & B grooves, New Orleans style keyboards, soulful stylings and harmonic vocals season Blues, Jazz, Rock ‘n Roll, R & B, Gospel, and Swamp Pop.

The group encompases five bayou born and bred musicians who have performed styles ranging from acapella to zydeco. They don't go seeking honors and competitions, preferring to focus on the music. However, as individuals and as a group, they've been humbled by recognition:

-- Keyboard player / songwriter / arranger Joshua "Bubba" Murrell won a 2008 Grammy award as Engineer/producer for Zydeco artist Terrance Simien's Grammy-Winning Live! Worldwide CD

-- Blue Merlot was honored with a Times of Acadiana's "Best of 2008" award as the Best Jazz Band in Acadiana

-- They were the Winners in the 2001 Louisiana Blues Challenge and represented south Louisiana in the 2002 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

Beyond awards, individual band members have demonstrated years of commitment to musical excellence. Vocalist/lead guitarist Ronnie Vice is a familiar face and voice to blues fans throughout the south. In addition to running sucessful blues jams for over a decade, Ronnie has played with the Calico Cats, the Hub Cats, the South Louisiana Blues Revue, and many others.

Vocalist/rhythm guitarist Brenda DeKeyzer Lowry decided to leave her classical roots behind to join co-founder Joshua Murrell in forming a band that reinterprets Louisiana Blues. She is a songwriter whose work is sometimes funny, sometimes heartwrenching, but always thoughtful. Her vocal work ranges from Christian and Jewish church music to Jazz, Standards, Rock and Blues. Brenda is happy to endorse Luna Guitars.

Keyboard player/guitarist Joshua "Bubba" Murrell can now add "Grammy Winner" to his name. In addition to being an accomplished musician and songwriter, Murrell is an outstanding audio engineer. His ear for mixing and blending musical parts into a cohesive, enjoyable whole is key to the Blue Merlot sound - and it won him a Grammy as well.

Bassist Gerald Romero, Sr., is a familiar presence on Louisiana bandstands and beyond. As a "side man," he has played with a wide variety of artists, including JoeDouglas, Warren Storm and the Boogie Kings. In Blue Merlot, his funky style is more "up front" and provides a solid groove foundation.

Drummer Brad Cradeur's skill and style are beyond his youth. We think Brad is an "old drumming soul" who just happened to age very well. As co-owner of Scott's Drum Center in Lafayette, Brad's commitment to music and to drumming is evident. If you doubt that, just come listen to him.

"It's sort of like...New Orleans meets Zydeco with some bluesy-jazzy-funky-R & B-stuff."

The band's debut CD, entitled Blue Merlot, was recorded at Dockside Studios outside of Lafayette, La. with Steve Reynolds, engineer, and Joshua Murrell, Producer. Dockside and Steve were the magical combination that worked with Irma Thomas and her Grammy winning "After the Rain"; Joshua, of course, is a Grammy winner with Terrance Simien's "Live! Worldwide" CD.

Blue Merlot is a vintage sure to please. Serve a glass or two at your venue soon.