Meet The Team
Meet the team that brought the Eric Merrill Project to life
Eric Merrill
Singer/ Song Writer/ Producer
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Eric Merrill explains being captivated by music since his earliest years of remembrance. Though his first instrument was the alto sax, Eric began hearing melodies with accompanying poetic words, which quickly caused him to shift to learning to play the piano, and with the aid of high school music teacher, Mary Daniels, Eric’s foundation for songwriting began; and oh my, how refreshing and unique his style truly is. When asked exactly how his style developed, Eric recounted that, “growing up in the Christian church, all of my friends were musicians and/or singers, so that’s where I first learned to sing. The peculiar thing is that I couldn’t seem to sing “big”, like everyone else. I had to develop my own capable style, and songwriting facilitated that”. Eric also passionately describes that he always loved hearing stories told. When he realized that one could tell stories musically, he wanted nothing more than telling stories through song.
Eric admits that music is his first love; however, he gives this historical insight. His parents encouraged him to obtain a college education, in case a career in music didn’t pan out successfully. As finances for college tuition were lacking, Eric decided to join the US Military, specifically the Air Force as a Medical Lab Tech, which, as providence would have it, exposed him to the field of medicine. Eric would go on to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science degree, become a Chemist, successfully matriculate through medical school, marry a beautiful girl, father two amazing daughters, became a Medical Officer in the US Navy, a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force, and a Neurosurgery Resident Physician! Yet all the while, ironically, there still remained this void, that only music, songwriting, and singing could fill…; Eric had to find a way to return to his childhood, irreplaceable love. “I’ve always wanted to play nylon string guitar, so when I purchased my 1st Taylor, God began teaching me to play, by giving me wonderful songs”, is how Eric describes how he returned to that irreplaceable love.
From early mentors (The Gospel Sons, The Gospel Truth, Spirit Song, and Freedom), to influences, the likes of Earl Klugh, Michael Franks, James Taylor, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, and Andrae Crouch, Eric has truly been fortunate to have developed such a unique and varied style palate. One can tell just by listening, that it fits him just right; so natural, and non-pressured. It’s quite beautiful actually; songs that tell stories…stories of life, love, and relationship, with one another, and with The Lord God. Eric Merrill is a listening privilege; an artist that you are sure to enjoy.
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”.
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”.
Hamilton Hardin
Producer
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Hamilton Hardin is a multi-instrumentalist/producer, and composer, who is a graduate of The Ohio State University in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance. Accolades include touring with, recording with, and arranging for many artists, including Kirk Whalum, Lalah Hathaway, Dave Koz, and Normal Brown. Though Hamilton continues to meet the demands of his creative platform both locally and internationally, upon being introduced to Eric’s musical/lyrical perspectives, a request to join the team resulted in Hardin responding, “Eric, I really like your sound; let’s do this man”.