Speedy Mercer
Shreveport, LA

FORMAL MUSIC EDUCATION:

Lafayette Elementary / Lafayette Jr. High in Lafayette, LA
1st Chair Baritone Saxophone in the Concert band. Also played Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone in the Stage band (modern/popular music) (HEY! It counts!)

Availability:
I have had to turn down the opportunity to tour with several bands due to my day-gig as a Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst.
My evenings (after 6) and weekends were free and I had several weeks a year vacation time so I could play any gig within these constraints back then.

BANDS:

2005 - 2010
Just jamming with friends and subbing for local bands.

2005
Bootsie Daniels Band
Staunton, VA
The Bootsie Daniels Band is a soul music group performing Motown oldies and originals. Bootsie Daniels band was chosen as the Black Music Award Band of the year in 2003.

2004 - 2005
Charlottesville, VA
Mostly jamming with local bands such as the Chicken Head Blues Band and trying to build my next band while I establish myself in this area.

2003 - 2004
Son Hound
Fayetteville, AR
Local bar band playing up-tempo blues shuffles and rock. We developed a good following and the band continues to book more and more dates. Jason Sweat (Vocals), Trey Woodruff (Guitar), Don Johnson (Bass). Left the band when my day-job took me to Virginia.

2000 - 2003
Jennifer B
Fayetteville, AR
Played drums and percussion in various bands with Jen as her career took off. Once she started to tour, I played all their local acoustic gigs and subbed for their main drummer as needed. Also did many side gigs with her as well at this time.

1998 - 2000
Monday's Child
Ruston, LA
Original electric blues in the style of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Chris Duarte and covers by these and many more of the classic blues/rock legends. John Simoneaux (Lead and vocals), Ryan Munsey (Bass). Left the band when they moved to Austin, TX and started to tour.

1997 - 1999
Sundown Tavern House Band
Ruston, LA
House drummer for the weekly Tuesday Nite Blues Jam. Played opening and closing sets as well as with other musicians as needed.

1996 - 1997
Temporary Insanity
Monroe, LA
A "Classic Rock" band out of Monroe, LA. Originally founded by Mark Thomey and Greg Oden to raise money for an injured friend. The band mostly played for Church Functions, Charity Events and private parties.

1976 - 1995
The US Navy, racing (bikes & cars) and "life" intervened...

Early 70's
My 1st real band was "Garage band" in Lafayette/Carencro, LA that actually played a few gigs! Jeff Leblanc on Lead/Vocals, Carl Stelly on bass and me on drums. (I vaguely remember playing a Pool party and a Skating Rink for sure...)

1969
Switched from School Band geek Sax player to drums.

Primary Skills:
Kit Drummer playing Blues, Funk, Classic Rock and some Jazz in both amplified and acoustic settings.

Secondary Skills:
Percussion: Congas, Doumbek, Roto-Toms and hand percussion (claves, Cabassa, cowbells, shakers, tambourine, wood block etc.).

Equipment:

• Drum Kit
  • Taye Studio Maple Snare: 14x4½
  • Taye Studio Maple Rack Toms: 10x8, 12x9.5, 14x11
  • Ludwig 16x16 Floor Tom
  • Taye Studio Maple Bass: 20x18
• Cymbals:
• 10" B8Pro Sabian Splash
• 14" Zildjian New Beat Hi-Hats
• 16" Zildjian "A" Med-Thin Crash
• 18" Zildjian "K" Crash (Late 40's vintage)
• 20" Zildjian "A" Ping Ride
• Zildjian K-Custom 20" Flat-Top Ride.
• Meinl Congas: 11" and 12"
• Doumbek: Remo Key-Tunable
• Roto-Toms: 6",8" and 10" sizes
• Assorted Percussion "Toys": Afruche/Cabassa, Assorted Tambourines, Egg Shakers, Cow Bells, Jam Blocks etc..
• Peavey 260watt PA Head
• Peavey 260watt Monitor Head
• 2 Mains w/Stands
• 2 monitors
• Kick (PG-52), Instrument (SM-57) and Vocal (SM-58) mics and stands

Noteworthy:
I have played gigs (not just "jammed") with the following "known" musicians:

• Jerry Beach. Author of "I'll Play The Blues For You" (Shreveport, LA). (Member: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame)
• Joe Nadeau. Guitar and vocals on 1st Kenny Wayne Shepherd album (Shreveport, LA). (Member: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame)
• David Deaton (former Shreveport, LA, now DFW, TX). (Member: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame)
• Blue Monday and the Howard Shaft Horns (Ruston, LA)
• Les "Boogie" Skinner (Nashville, TN)
• Judge and Jury (Monroe, LA)

I have sat in with (many times) the following:

• Joe Nadeau (Shreveport, LA)
• Kenny Bill Stinson (Ruston, LA)
• The Chicken Head Blues Band (Charlottesville, VA)
• Monte Russell (Hardcore Troubadours, Ruston, LA)
• Johnny O'Neal (Ruston, LA)
• Members of The Lightnin' Bugs (Ruston, LA)
• Clovis Pillgreen (Monroe, LA)
• The VanBurens (Monroe, LA)
• and MANY others...

References available on request