Messerly and Ewing

Mark Messerly and Brian Ewing joined together sometime in the mid ‘90s as an acoustic duo named, oddly enough, Messerly and Ewing. They released a cassette only album called, “The Wrong Way” and went out to build a following by playing hundreds of high energy shows highlighting their increasingly confident songwriting, multi-instrumental approach, and lots of Everly Brothers style harmonies.

Their first CD, “The Practice of Everyday Life” split the difference between a full band sound and the traditional duo sound. The CD won them a Cincinnati Entertainment Award (CEA)for Best Singer-Songwriters and allowed them to begin playing shows out of their hometown of Cincinnati.

With their next CD, “The Last Twelve Hours” they felt it was time to make a decisive break with the old style and embrace a full band sound. Using special guests from the very best of the Cincinnati music scene, including Chris Arduser from the Bears and Pike 27, they made a records that would eventually win them a CAMMY for best songwriters, WOXY’s 97Xposure Band of the Year , and the N.A.R.A.S. best song in Ohio contest. During the two years spent promoting their break through album the band finally gelled into a cohesive unit featuring Justin Hackett on drums and Brian Mahan on bass. When Brian Mahan left the band a month and a half before sessions for their new CD began, Randy Cheeks of the Ass Ponys stepped in. Coincidentally, Chuck Cleaver, also of the Ass Ponys, had agreed to produce the record. The new CD, “Darkness Drops Again” their most rocking and mature work is out now.