Greg Mertz was born in 1956, the year of rock & roll. From his earliest
memory, he remembers listening to Buddy Holly, Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets.
Greg reflects, "I was about eight years old when I heard 'I Want To Hold Your
Hand'. A new group from England called the Beatles would shape my appreciation
for music from then on.
I have always been a big fan of anyone that performs vocally or instrumentally
and when you see an artist that does both well, that's what I call a gift".
The 1960's were a major musical influence for Greg. The term "British Invasion,"
was truly all that and more for a kid growing up in central Iowa.
Greg started playing guitar in 1968 when he borrowed an acoustic guitar from
a friend. Greg learned the basic chords and started putting them together,
playing songs. Greg recalls, "I played in school, church and with my friends,
anywhere I could.
When I graduated from high school, I put together a band called "Dancer."
The group's guitarist, Steve "Dickey" Dykmann had been playing previously
with a group called "The Pelican Peace Band." Both bands hailed from the Des
Moines, Iowa area. I thought this was it, that I was on my way to stardom.
However, like most of us, life would take me in other directions. A lot of
my career has involved military mechanical work".
Greg has lived in the Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska area since 1984. For nearly
25 years, Greg was a member in numerous cover bands that played the local
clubs.
In 2003, Greg took an audio engineering and recording class. Through that
experience, he was introduced to Ralph Wall. "Ralph was initially looking
for someone with the interest and ability to enhance his home recordings.
When I first heard his songs, I knew Ralph was something very special. His
ability to write lyrics and melody never ceases to amaze me. It is my hope
Ralph and I continue with making music for a long time to come". The partnership's
vision quickly went beyond recording home demos to commercially releasing
material. The debut CD, 'Marker 1" is the first effort and follow up CD's
are planned.
Greg shares Ralph's appreciation for a wide variety of musical styles. The duo strives to give each recorded song a distinct identity. "I hope the tracks don't all sound the same. I hope each song paints a different picture in the listener's mind and stirs a different emotion". Greg's production skills and abilities on a multitude of instruments plays a significant role in the arrangements and performances. Ralph Wall says, "Greg wears a lot of recording hats. Musically, he's the man for all seasons".