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Jerry Mercer
(April 2005 Issue)
Aging Like Fine Wine Bands
come and go, and
fame often expedites the process. Yet after thirty-three years of
chart-topping success and millions of records sold, Jerry Mercer
continues to tour and record with critically
acclaimed Canadian band
April Wine. "I love to play," Mercer offers as an explanation. "I'm
blessed to be able to make a
living at music at the age of sixty-five."
On stage, Mercer's show-stopping drum solo - featuring his
"slow-motion
roll" - has been blowing away audiences all over the world for years.
Regarding technique, Jerry explains, "I
don't consider myself a big
chops guy with extensive control of all the rudiments. My concept of
soloing is to simply lay
down some foundational carpet and dance on it.
Regarding developing chops, a good attitude will take you further than
any
technique."
Besides Mercer's long career playing the drums, he's also involved in
building them. Along
with his partner Bill Hibbs, Jerry manufactures
Monolith half-wood, half-carbon fiber drums. (For more info, check out www.monolithdrums.com.)
You can hear Mercer on
the recently released CD April Wine's Greatest Hits Live 2003. And for the latest news on the band, visit www.aprilwine.ca.
Steven Scott
Fyfe
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