Mercy Creek is Jim Ball &
Cheryl Nystrom
Independent Music for Independent Minds since 1998
Based in Virginia, Mercy Creek
performs original music they call aggressive folk rock. Singer/guitarist Cheryl
Nystrom and song writing partner/drummer Jim Ball combine elements of modern
folk, world beat, rock, and hints of blues and bluegrass to create music that
is fresh and unique. From world beat to folk, the musical styles used in Mercy
Creek's songs are anchored by Nystrom's beautiful voice and intelligent lyrics.
Mercy Creek has
released 7 independent albums and have been a full time performing act since
1998, playing across the country at clubs, festivals, and concerts. Paul
Mahern, (Iggy Pop, John Mellencamp, Juliana Hatfield, Lisa Germano, Over the
Rhine, The Fray, vocalist for punk band Zero Boys) recorded and produced 6 of
the band's 7 CD catalogue. The recordings have charted on radio stations
nationally, were used heavily in Playnetwork's retail outlet store Eddie Baeur,
have been used in nationally syndicated radio shows, and have been played on XM
Radio.
Mercy Creek's latest
recording, "Make a Memory" features 10 original songs recorded with
Paul Mahern. The impressive vocals and guitar playing of Cheryl Nystrom span
tracks ranging from rock to folk. Ball's unusual African Djembe kick drum and
at times intense fusion drumming sync to well crafted and well produced songs.
With it's big organic sound, Mercy Creek's "Make a Memory" brings
audiences to a bright and familiar place.
Constantly touring and writing new material, Mercy Creek is now working
on their 8th release.
* "Uplifting and
smart Americana from one of Virginia's best bands! Paul Shugrue "Out of
the Box" WHRV-FM 2009
* "Mercy Creek
represent a new sound in folk music that instantly grabs your ear and makes you
want more. Their sound is infectious.. with Jim's distinct drumming and
Cheryl's powerful accompanying lyrics. They were instant favorites of my
listeners. Their latest release "Another Place to Start" is one of my
top picks for 2009. Barry Graham Host " Acoustic Highway" WHRV-FM
2009
* "If there is
such a thing as perfect folk-rock music, then Mercy Creek comes as close as
possible to creating it. Their songs are authentically rootsy without losing
that ever-elusive mainstream appeal." Taste Of Triple A 2005
* "Nystrom is an
undeniable star, with a strong expressive voice that swoops around pop choruses
and haunts the verses in between, like a burnished and coppery Beth
Orton." Washington Examiner 2005
* "One of the
leaders of an aggressive folk rock movement and have been coined 'The White
Stripes of Americana'. Their sound blends modern folk with pop, rock, blues and
even bluegrass. Nystrom's vocals are raw, uninhibited, intense and sensual."
Singer and Musician Magazine 2005
* # 50 FMQB Radio
Charts 2005 - 15 weeks FMQB Top 100 - National radio at commercial- college-
XM-Playnetwork
Recorded Music
"name of
the record is mercy creek" 1999
"Dirty Water" 2001 "Storm
Has Blown Over" 2003
"Bonfire of Vanities" 2004/2005
"Another Place to Start" 2008 Live at OBX" 2010 "Make a Memory" 2013
