Messerly and Ewing
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Music
Press
Mark Messerly (the little guy with the hat) and Brian Ewinig (the big guy) have been playing around town for years and have won about every contest and local award possible. Great Singing, Great Playing, Great Writing, and that magical chemistry that makes a real band.
- Cincinnati Enquirer
Driven by excellent songwriting, strong vocal harmonies and outstanding musicianship, this 3rd release from Cincy’s Messerly and Ewing is a superb disc of largely acoustic roots rock. Whether it’s the straight-up rockers like “Drive” and “I Fell”, extremely catchy pop-tinged tunes like “Shallow Grave” and “I Own A Cemetery” or quieter ballads like “By Heart” and “How Long”, this duo, along with assistance from some of the finest musicians in the Cincinnati area come up with superb cuts over and over again. The Last Twelve Hours is a top-notch effort all the way around.
- The Music Korner
Cincinnati is a hotbed for acoustic-driven roots-rock music, and this duo is in the forefront.
While most of the music comes across as Americana, there are a few track that bleed more electric folk and even some early-80s new wave sounds, such as "Shallow Grave." This song has The Hooters written all over it (not a bad thing, just an 80s thing). The strength comes from the harder songs, such as "I Fell" and "Drive." These have a Blue Rodeo/Bo Deans feel to them, and the guitars are jangly as well as twangy. The harmonies work best here as well, very Barenaked Ladies (again, not a bad thing, BNL has some fantastic vocals).
For those into the late-80s answer to roots-rock Americana (before the whole Uncle Tupelo craze), this disc is a prize to listen to. Mixes are very full, and the vocals make the songs.
- Great Lakes Twang
Messerly and Ewing have always been great songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. The delicious sound on the album finds them using every conceivable roots instrument including accordion, viola, organ, harmonica, washboard, banjo and mandolin. It's all thickly layered for an incredible wall-of-roots sound.
- Cincinnati Post
Messerly and Ewing-Shallow Grave (from the last twelve hours) With Pixies/Nirvanaesque dynamics, clever lyrics and giant sized hooks, these supposed Folk rockeres teach the world to sing the best local Pop song of the year.
- Cincinnati CityBeat
Discography
The Wrong Way - 1996
The Practice Of Everyday Life - 1998
The Last 12 Hours -2000
Darkness Drops Again - 2002
After Dark - 2002
NEW CD OUT SUMMER 2011
Photos
Bio
17 years its been 17 years Since Mark Messerly and Brian Ewing first meet at the Blue Mt. Coffee Company in Mt. Lookout square. They were bound to meet up sooner or later. As acoustic singer songwriters is Cincinnati there are only so many open mics and places for those just starting out to ply their wares. This is not a love at first site story. It took time for us to see what each had to offer and how it could fit together. Over the course of a year they would bring each other up to sing and play on a tune or two. As the collaboration grew it was inevitable that M&E would put those tunes down on tape (yes M&E predate the digital world). That slow build is why M&E have outlasted the coffee shop they meet in and most other local bands of that time.
Over the years M&E have been nominated for several Cammy and CEAs including artist of the year, album of the year and best roots band; winning 2 for songwriters of the year. They also won the NARAS Ohio song writers award and were named 97Xposure band of the year (rip oxy). Albums and tours followed as Messerly and Ewing gelled into regulars in the Cincinnati music scene. And though they backed off a bit to work on side projects (including Marks work with the nationally acclaimed Wussy) they never stopped playing and writing.
In 2009 M&E adding a new rhythm section including long time friends and Midpoint Music Festival founders Sean Rhiney on bass and Bill Donabedian on drums. The chemistry in the new band has been electric, and not just because Mark and Brian have put down the acoustic instruments in favor of electric guitars. Working on news songs and a new sound with a new band has taken M&E in a new direction. If you think you know Messerly and Ewing you dont. Not until youve heard the new M&E.
17 years on and M&E are writing and playing some of the best the music of there lives. With a new CD out later this year and a full schedule of live shows, M&E is looking to make some noise. Turn it up and listen
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