BEST FEMALE MUSICIANS.COM September 19, 2003 Live at The Joyous Life Yoga Center By DENNIS HALSEY As I arrive at The Joyous Life Center I have no idea what to expect. I know I thoroughly enjoyed Project Mercury's CD and was looking forward to the show. I don't know how many other people have seen a concert at a yoga center but in all my years of following bands this was a first for me. The show was billed as completely acoustic, no mikes, no amps, and I wondered how the percussion section would not drown out the remainder of the band. That question was quickly answered as they chose not to use a percussion section. The band consisted of Marian, the driving force on vocals and several other instruments including acoustic guitar, Charlene on violin and harmony, and some lead vocals, and Craig on guitars. The room was one of the most acoustically sound rooms I have ever heard a band perform in. The ceilings were high and the space offered that elegant beauty sometimes seen in the best New York City lofts. There was a natural reverb and echo that added dimension and depth to the sound. While the crowd was small they were very appreciative and all eyes were glued to the stage as well as all ears. Since the crowd was somewhat small and the band was restricted by time they deviated slightly from their original set list, opening with "Family of Strangers," the first track on their CD entitled "Light This Candle." Because of the lack of soundboard and engineering any mistakes would be greatly amplified. I have a fairly good ear and heard a flawless set including covers of a Bob Dylan tune that is not one of his more popular numbers. They chose mostly to play originals but threw in the well placed cover, and again the covers were unique and not what you hear everyday. All told they spoiled us with ten tracks spanning about a one hour period and had some witty and interesting banter between songs. I personally have been pampered having seen them in this setting, but if you hear of Project Mercury playing in your neck of the woods, run don't walk to see them. When a performance is flawless without the help of a sound engineer one can only wonder what a mixed and produced set would sound like. On September 19th Project Mercury added at least one fan to their base. This is a band to be reckoned with.