The Steve Merrick band consists of 29 people from around the Southern California/Los Angeles Area. We are made up of worship leaders, singers, and instrumentalists from 19 different churches. We are purposely ethnically and culturally diverse in order to strive after the vision God gave John of what heaven would be like in Revelation 7: “Every tribe, every tongue, and every nation gathered before the throne of God.” Their first recording “A Reason to Live” hit stores and digital in May 2006, and has received national critical acclaim from a diverse array of few but delighted listeners. It received a nomination in 2007 from Ensound Radio for "Best Christian Album" even though it never actually went to vinyl. The song, “One of His Family”, has reached international audiences as far as Sri Lanka.
The Steve Merrick band is the brainchild of Steve Merrick, who dabbles professionally in all sorts of musical styles. Weekly, he writes for and conducts a full orchestra and praise band at the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, a church of over 3000 members. Steve was trained in Jazz Arranging/Composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston and received his masters in Jazz education from there in 1998. He regularly plays piano and sings at jazz casuals and won the National Grand Prize of Best Instrumentalist for the Gospel Music Association in 2007. He has written a Music Fundamentals Textbook that is currently being used in Southern California Universities and high schools. He is also an educator, with 10 years experience teaching jazz, pop music, and arranging at the College level.
Most recently, Steve has assisted Jac Redford (One Night with the King, Leroy & Stitch, George of the Jungle II) on preparation of musical works for the Pope’s visit to America as well as films with Pixar, Disney, and Universal. His work with Jac has led him to work both directly and indirectly with Thomas Newman (Wall.e), Benoit Jutras (Cirque De Soleil) and Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish).
Not being tied to a label has enabled the Steve Merrick Band to reach out beyond churches and into the community. They have been blessed to play for multiple church venues as well as proudly sharing the gospel message in more public forums such as parks, amusement parks, and beaches.