Blue Merlot

I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4A blues band that rocks, swings, and grooves? With a sound based inthe blues, Blue Merlot goes far beyond the “Blue” that’s in their name. This quartet brews up a flavorful blend of styles, some from their native Louisiana, to deliver an uptempo, driving, fun sound best described as “gumbo funk.”
R & B grooves mix with harmonic vocals and distinctive New Orleans style keyboard virtuosity are some of the elements that make up their unique sound. Blues, Jazz, Rock ‘n Roll, R & B, Gospel, and Swamp Pop are some of the ingredients.
Founded in 2001, the original group won the Louisiana Blues Challenge and represented the band at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. They were chosen by LBC judges* to have the musicianship, energy and professionalism to represent the Louisiana Blues Preservation Society in this international event.
Since that time, the group has encompassed the driving rhythm section of Buddy Romero and Gerald Romero. The Romero brothers are familiar to fans and musicians alike, having played with Wayne Toups, Joe Douglas, the Boogie Kings, and other well-know regional acts. They join Blue Merlot founders Brenda DeKeyzer Lowry and Joshua “Bubba” Murrell to round out a solid, tight, and highly entertaining band.
Keyboard and lead guitar player Bubba Murrell is a virtuoso of different styles in both instruments. From New-Orleans style piano to organ funk, and all stops in between, Murrell’s keyboard parts are tasty, rich, and full. Just when you wonder what else he has up his sleeve, he picks up his guitar and wails. Sometimes he can’t decide which instrument to play, so he plays them both (sometimes at the same time). It’s tempting to consider classically-trained vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brenda Lowry as “stage candy,” but when she opens her mouth to sing, you realize your ears are in for a treat. From ballads to rocking blues and jazz, Lowry delivers a solid vocal presence that you won’t forget. This woman rocks.
A hallmark of Blue Merlot is that crowds tend to stay when they play. The band fits smoothly into venues as varied as festivals with family attendance, dancehalls, restaurants, nightclubs, and private parties.
The band's debut CD, entitled Blue Merlot, was recorded at Dockside Studios outside of Lafayette, La. with Steve Reynolds, engineer. Dockside and Steve were the magical combination that worked with Irma Thomas and her Grammy winning After the Rain.
Blue Merlot is a vintage sure to please. Serve a glass or two at your venue soon.
*LBC judges were: Zydeco artist Terrance Simien, Raul Breaux (KRVS’ “Blues Box”), Phil Daigle (KBON) and music historian Marc Bacon.