The Mercury Brothers

For anyone that has never been moved by the blues, The Mercury Brothers are here to help. Since winning the 2005 Iowa Blues Challenge The Mercury Brothers have contined to win crowds over at clubs and blues festivals alike. Their high energy performances have generated a buzz throughout the blues community and earned them a spot in the finals of the 2006 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN. Formed in February 2005, this group of Quad Cities, IL blues veterans have gained a loyal fanbase that contines to grow with every performance. Combining a unique blend of Chicago, Texas, and West Coast blues influences, The Mercury Brothers have forged a sound that is truly their own. Comprised of Ric Burris on vocals and harmonica, Wade Braggs on guitar, Daniel Rangel on drums and Mark Avey on bass, The Mercury Brothers bring a diverse mix of blues experience to the stage.
Ric Burris was born in Sneads Ferry, NC and raised in Quad Cities, IL. Ric has been playing music for twenty years spending the last fifteen with fellow Quad Cities based bands The Blue Fins, Twin Towers Blues Band, and S.J. and the Wiseguys. His powerfull vocals ring clear and his harpwork precise. His influences range from Little Walter to Rod Piazza and James Brown. When Ric takes the stage his twenty years of playing experience shines in every note.
Wade Braggs is an East Moline, IL native that started playing guitar at the age of eleven. His extensive list of influences includes such blues legends as Albert Collins, Freddie King, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Guy and Otis Rush to Rockabilly heros such as Link Wrey and Danny Gatton. His playing has been described as what Chicago blues would sound like if it were located between Dallas and Ft Worth. Prior to forming The Mercury Brothers, Wade held the guitar spot with Hal Reed and Bad Luck from 2001 to 2003. He has also played with national recording artists Billy Branch, The Kinsey Report, Little Jimmy Reed, and E.C. Scott. Now at twnety-nine years old he is fully steeped in the cutting blues style that he grew up listening to religiously.
Daniel Rangel, also from East Moline, IL, has been playing drums for sixteen years and at the age of twenty-seven he has more live playing experience than most drummers gain in a lifetime. With the guidance of his musical family, he has perfected a unique ability to master any style that is put before him. He has played numerous styles of music with such bands as John Resch & the Detroit Blues, Smooth Groove, Hal Reed & Bad Luck, Los Mocambos, Bump City, and Claudie Smith. Daniel's energy and feeling for the blues creates a powerfull sound that is always locked in and truly unique.
Mark Avey was born and raised in the Quad Cities. With eleven years of bass experience Mark lays down a heavy groove that runs deep with influences ranging from Willie Dixon to John Paul Jones. He has played with Blues Ash Ink, Twin Towers Blues Band, and Illegal Alley. Mark's solid playing and deep tone keeps the blues feeling strong.
The Mercury Borthers have released their debut CD "Whiskey Kisses" containing eleven original songs and are continuing to make a name for themselves at every show they hit. In addition to sharing the bill with some of the biggest names in blues at multiple festivals they have opened for Delbert McClinton, Walter Trout, and Corey Stevens. Don't miss your chance to experience this band live. You will see what the buzz on The Mercury Brothers is all about.