"Merrick Section's music is a roomy brand of Americana rock, easygoing but polished. It's got pop hooks, but an expansive musical sense.." James Heflin, The Valley Advocate 11/26/09


Based around the songs of Jim Walsh (Mr. Pickle, Catfish Jam), Merrick Section is a dynamic trio playing songs that make one think, feel, and maybe even dance.

Best known as a drummer, Jim has also been writing songs since childhood. His compositions have been the centerpiece of such regional bands as The Leekers, Mr. Pickle, and Catfish Jam. It was a live Wilco show during the Summer of 2007 that brought the genesis of Merrick Section.

The ill fated second Mr. Pickle record started to show a leaning towards softer songs, smaller themes.. dealing with people, with their struggles, triumphs and failings. But the album was never finished; the band fizzled before the new direction ever saw the light of day. For quite a few years, Jim focused on his drumming in numerous jam/blues/cover bands.

That aforementioned Wilco show brought Jim back to his primary musical passion, the song. He started writing again with a growing love for Wilco and their ilk...The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, etc. Jim listened, Jim learned.

All through the cover band years, Jim's closest musical partner was one Tom Doherty. Despite the difference in age (Tom's some 16 years Jim's junior), they shared a musical vision that spanned numerous bands, numerous genres. When it came time to put together Merrick Section, there was no other choice for the guitar slot than Tom Doherty. And after a couple of gigs as "The Four Horsemen", Tom's old friend and one time college roommate Jeff Burch became the similarly only choice for bass player. The musical rapport between these three is undeniable. Magic is made when they're on stage together.

The last week of January had them in Zing Studio with engineer/producer Jim Fogarty (another old friend and collaborator). A record has been recorded, twelve songs in all, and is now available.

The songs on the CD are all available on this site for streaming. The CD is available at sonicbids.com/merricksection or for download here, at itunes, amazon and others.



Instrumentation
Jim Walsh - Drums, Guitar, Vocals
Tom Doherty - Guitar, Vocals
Jeff Burch - Bass, Guitar, Vocals

Discography
Self titled debut CD released September '09.

	A Crested Wave Another lament, shades of Daniel Lanois in the production		Rock
	Mandalay Some Townsend-like windmills power this number		Rock
	She's An Angel Acoustic ballad, one live take in studio		Folk/Acoustic Rock/Americana
	Lucky Stars Some Stones influenced honky-tonk		Rock
	Another Invitation Some two stepping heartbreaking...		Folk/Acoustic Rock/Americana
	Hunter A story song complete with insightful observations and stuff..		Folk/Acoustic Rock/Americana
	Promises Some hard hitting rock and roll here folks		Rock
	Cross On The Highway A tale of a recently widowed woman, with lovely guest vocals by Christine Andrews		Folk/Acoustic Rock/Americana
	You Can't Finally... a "nice" song!		Rock
	Another Intervention A piece in three movements.		Rock
	Mary Maudlin An acoustic (mostly) ditty in 12/8		Folk/Acoustic Rock/Americana
	Northeast Ghost Pink Floydian production informs this one...		Rock

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Hop On Pop	11/23/2009 8:47:45 PM Hey all! Thanks for posting your stuff up here at IAC! Looking forward to hearing all of your music. I'm making my pick for which song to post up at the VC station right now. Welcome! Todd (PopTodd from VC)
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