Meet the Team

Eric E. Merrill

Singer/Song Writer/Producer

I must have been about 8 years old. Growing up in our neighborhood of Cumberland Ridge, in Columbus Ohio, we had this yearly tradition of decorating our bikes for the 4th of July Parade, and I was just so excited! My big sister was helping me, and in the background music was playing... Reasons, by Earth, Wind, and Fire. We were just singing away, hooking on streamers and reflectors and lights. Strange thing is, I can just vaguely recall the color of the bike; but I specifically remember the song that was playing; isn't that interesting?

If Reasons starts playing today, I'm right back in my childhood garage instantly; Earl Klugh's Catherine, and I'm 14 y/o again at Church Camp; Micheal Franks' Dragon Fly Summer, I'm driving down the road on my way to class during Med School. I love music. I love when you can feel the melody, when you can see the story as the lyrics are sung. I love that songs help you remember; causes you torelive your past. I just love music.

It was during early adolescence that I began hearing melodies, and it was wonderful! Then lyrics started accompanying those melodies, and what do you know, I could sing those lyrics. decided to try and learn to play the alto sax, and that was cool, but for some reason, I couldn't write from the Sax. With the help of Mifflin High's Music Teacher, Ms. Mary Daniels, I began
learning to play the piano, and that's when the creating of songs really began.

The influences of Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Al Jarreau, and Andrae Crouch, among others...these were my teachers. I also watched some amazing local artists around me while growing up, and was able to exercise those lessons playing and singing in local groups, learning all the while. It was during Medical School, that the inspiration, and the courage to pursue my individual style surfaced. This led to the nylon string guitar, and a conversation with Jacob
Ellzey, my partner in Producing. And now, well...just listen.

Jacob Ellzey Jr.

Producer

A native of New York, Jacob Ellzey was raised in a little church in New Rochelle, where his love for the piano evolved. Upon migrating to Ohio, his evolving musical skill grew exponentially, affording Ellzey the opportunity to accompany many local talent, as well as nationally recognized artists including Marvin Winans, and Yolanda Adams. Eric describes Jacob’s creativity and critical ear as unique, and a necessary component to the success of “The Project”. Ellzey, recognizing the potential for success, met Eric’s request with a simple, “Sure; I’m in”.

Daryl Wicker

Producer

Daryl Wicker has spent the majority of his life in the music business, from his first years as a teenager traveling with his father’s musical group, to his early days in the impromptu recording studios crafted out of small rooms in the local churches he was connected with. An artist, producer, and engineer, most of Daryl’s concepts begin from behind the keyboard, spinning webs of colorful and rhythmic arrangements accompanying lyrical prose. “Daryl and I often think in a similar fashion”, is how Eric relates their musical interaction; “If I hear country music, he understands it; if I want to tap into our African ancestry, he knows how to get me there”. Daryl’s response to Eric’s request to assist, “Let’s make the music we want to hear”.