The editors at Hudson Valley Magazine selected Project Mercury "Best New Band" of 2006, and they are also a favorite at Rockland Magazine. Brewing up a custom blend of acoustic rock and modern folk with traces of blues, jazz & classical, their special ingredients are three-part harmony, guitar, violin, cello, dobro and bass.
The band officially launched in '98 when singer-songwriter Marian Mastrorilli teamed up with violinist-vocalist Charlene Donohue. After spending a year backed by an electric rock band, the duo went acoustic to allow their intricate harmonies, violin and sensitive lyrics to shine. Guitarist Craig Fox signed on in January '03, and cellist Jeanne Fox added to their evolution in January '05, transforming Project Mercury into a string quartet!
PM is harmonious both literally and personally, with a camaraderie that comes across onstage. Three distinct voices take turns in the spotlight and back one another for lush harmonies: Marian's airy soprano, Charlene's earthy alto and Craig's rich baritone. Jeanne's cello and basslines interweave with violin over a backdrop of solid acoustic guitar work.
Project Mercury's 6-song mini-CD Down to Earth, released in the spring of '05, features the earnest acoustic sound of the band's days as a trio, before Jeanne joined up. Their first CD Light This Candle, released in '02, uses full production and arrangements to showcase roots in 70's rock and singer-songwriter balladry. It gained airplay on over 60 radio stations, including WFUV, WNTI, WFDU and WVKR.
The band has built a solid reputation by performing steadily at festivals and venues throughout NY and NJ, including a winning songwriter's slot at the NJ Folk Festival's New Folk Showcase in '02. Their tri-state travels have taken them as far north as Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY to south Jersey's The Saint in Asbury Park. They have shared bills with Sarah Lee Guthrie, Mark Erelli, Jen Chapin, Cliff Eberhardt, Galdalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Terence Martin, Sloan Wainwright and regional colleagues Pat Wictor and Red Molly.
Visit Project Mercury's website at www.projectmercury.net
