Band Bio
The Jon Mernyk Trio
It is impossible to miss how much the guys in the Jon Mernyk Trio love performing live. For them, it is more than simply playing through songs, it’s about having a musical conversation with their audience: at their live shows, the crowd becomes participants, pushing the band to take risks and explore new musical territory. As a result, The Jon Mernyk Trio and their unique blend of jazz-fusion is fast becoming a must-see for serious Philadelphia music fans.
Jon Mernyk has had a thirty-year music career that has included playing, teaching and recording. Most recently, as owner of Mill Creek Audio, he has been designing, manufacturing and modifying high-end audio gear for studios and audiophiles, and teaching at the Paul Green School of Rock in Fort Washington, PA. Jon has played with some widely successful groups – including a “well known Southern rock act” in the 70s, R&B and fusion groups in the 80’s and many recent session projects. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to get Mernyk to mention any specifics on his earlier experiences because he’s so completely dedicated to his newest, most personal project.
Another reason that Mernyk is so excited about the trio is because he is in such great company. Rounding out the trio is Bill Stewart on bass and drummer Andrey Bogdanov. Andrey, who hails from southern Siberia, has toured worldwide with the famous Tuvan throat singers. (Actually, Andrey credits his career choice and later move to the US to them: as a child, a Tuvan shaman predicted that if he played drums it would change his life dramatically.) Stewart is a well-regarded bassist who tours nationally with The Delphonics, the Philly-based, Grammy-award winning soul band.
Besides putting on great live shows the trio is becoming known for its unique sound. Each member of the group has incredible chops, but they are never displayed for effect. They are big fans of state-of-the-art technology and gear, but never ignore the natural sounds of the instruments themselves. And of course they each bring their own voice - but the best part is how well the trio plays as one: above all else, you get the sense that the group’s music is very organic and never forced.
The Jon Mernyk Trio recently finished their debut demo CD. They are currently gigging in support of the CD; tracks may be heard on their website: www.myspace.com/jonmernyk. With a dynamic new release, buzzed-about shows and a growing fan base, 2007’s act to watch is a trio of guys who have all the talent and experience of the pros that they are – and yet have never lost the passion to play like kids.