Artist description "Let Go" and "Out of The Hole" are the true life story of band member Ken Mercer. Overwhelmed since childhood with insecurity and lack of acceptance, he became an actor on the stage of life at an early age. The pain of a vast hole created in his heart on a 23 year self-destructive path of alcohol, drugs, sex, jobs, homes and other worldly possessions led him to a recovery center at the dawn of the new millennium, at a time when he had lost everything in his life, except his life, which was obviously going to be next if the tables were not turned. Within the walls of the recovery center Ken found his "higher power," which for him was God. Over time Ken built a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ and he found not one, but hundreds of burning bushes whose lives and stories mirrored his own. Work was begun emotionally, physically and musically on "Let Go" in 1996. However, due to circumstances in Ken's life, those of which you will hear about in the songs on this very special CD, the project was not completed and released until February 2001. "Let Go" is an astonishing and groundbreaking musical testimony about the miracle of recovery. An honest account of one man's journey into the depths of alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, depression whose story mirrors so many millions of others. Since it's release in 2001 "Let Go" has sold extremely well in the local recovery and Christian community of Atlanta, GA.  It has been a deep inspiration to those who have heard it and in many cases a vehicle that actually saved lives. Ken and Jeff have performed "Let Go"- The Miracle of Recovery at local and national recovery conventions and meetings both large and small. The success of these performances brought to life their second CD entitled "Out of The Hole". Released in January 2002, "Out of The Hole" is even more gripping, moving and inspiring than "Let Go," for Ken's spoken word is much more prominent. Including Ken's personal testimony along with certain select songs from "Let Go" allows "Out of The Hole" to drive home Ken's remarkable life story with an extreme intensity and take up where "Let Go" left off. Their performances, message and music have effected countless people, and it is their continued hope that through this project they can give hope to those still struggling with their faith and the disease of alcoholism.

Music Style Contemporary Christian

Musical Influences Dan Fogelberg, Vince Gill, Carmen, Amy Grant, Brian May, Kenny Loggins, Gino Vannelli

Similar Artists Ken Mercer and Jeff Pike

Artist History Ken Mercer and Jeff Pike met in September of 1972 during their 5th grade year at Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga. They immediately developed a friendship that would last a lifetime and develop into much more as the years went by for God had formed a partnership then that even they did not understand. In time, the music locked in Jeff's heart would express the pain, frustration, joy, and redemption of Ken's spiritual journey. Ken and Jeff first played together as a duo during their junior and senior year in high school. Upon graduation in 1979 they both attended separate colleges but still performed occasionally when their schedules permitted. They would find very soon that The Lord had different paths in store for them that would lead them in separate directions for many years to come, both personally and professionally. Ken and Jeff both suffered from a hole in their heart that they could never fill, and while apart, each used different means to try and relieve the pain, but were never successful. When God was ready to reunite them, they shared of their journeys, the pain of the hole, and their willingness to lift their hearts up to God and seek his help. It was during this fellowship that the concept of “Let Go- The Miracle of Recovery” was born.

Group Members Ken Mercer- Acoustic guitar and Lead Vocals Jeff Pike- Acoustic guitar and all electric guitars, keyboards, drum programming, Lead and background vocals.

Instruments JEFF PIKE- Keyboards, Guitars, Drum Programming, Lead and Background Vocals. / KEN MERCER- Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals

Albums Let Go, Out Of The hole

Additional Info www.jeffpike.com

Location Atlanta, Ga - USA

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