Jennifer Jackson
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Photo by myspace/bluemerle.com

Blue Merle -  Jason Oettel, Lucas Reynolds, Luke Bulla, Bo Stapleton

   A mandolin, violin, fiddle and an upright bass - those aren’t instruments that belong in a rock band, right? Well don’t say that to Blue Merle.

   If we lived in a just world, Blue Merle would be touring a multi-platinum record, racking up numerous awards and enjoying all of the perks of being rock gods, but the likelihood of that happening is next to impossible. The truth of the matter is that there’s a high possibility that they’ll never achieve anything other than critical acclaim.

   Blue Merle consists of Lucas Reynolds (vocals, guitar and keyboard), Beau Stapleton (electric and acoustic mandolin), Jason Oettel (bass) and Luke Bulla (fiddle).

   Blue Merle can claim originality all to themselves with their bluegrass rock sound. Who knew that a mandolin and a fiddle could sound so cool.

   When listening to these guys, it is next to impossible to hear Reynolds’ voice and not hear Chris Martin of Coldplay. Though their voices are of the same structure, Reynolds’ voice has an intimate quality that makes the listener believe that they’re on a sailboat cruising the seas with the wind in their hair.

   Blue Merle's a diamond in a world full of Cubic Zirconium. Take time out of your day and give these guys a listen. Who knew that bluegrass could ever sound so good.

   To hear the music of Blue Merle check out: www.myspace.com/bluemerle or www.bluemerle.com.