About Merlin
It all really started with my father, the original Coryell on drums. He introduced me to drums at a very young age; but I only played around on the noisy toys until the 6th grade. That is when I joined the Ark City Middle School band and started a non-stop racket spree, then not even really knowing the difference between the snare and bass drum. While I learned my rudiments at school, my dad taught me how to handle big rigs, behind his '79 Ludwig Rockers Custom 12pc set. Timidly but quickly, I learned how to keep up to some of the music I had been raised on through my parents CD collection of classic rock and oldies.
As the years went on I branched out, looking for more music on my own. I began to find my niche through the a combination of the sounds of eclectic fusion and progressive rock, and found it a challenging and worthwhile way to attack the drumset. I usurped my father from his kit in these years, where he took up guitar, allowing us to jam together often.
After high school, I played a few shows, my first real gigs. Through this and other summer jobs, I was able to purchase my own Ludwig monster. From then on, I did everything I could to get out and play with a variety of musicians, and in a variety of settings. I continue the philosophy today, spending as much time away from my studies to play as possible.
Influences you say? We got em! I have had the fortune to work in nearly every genre drums can be put to; all forms of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, etc. But my favorite feel has to be the challenging and intense field of Progressive/Power Metal and Rock. Classic bands like RUSH, STYX, Yes and Pink Floyd were staples of mine growing up, and newer groups like Symphony X, Dream Theater and Nightwish are keeping the flame strong and bright. Many more of my favorite Prog and Power bands can be found on my Myspace page. (Links section)
Drummers who have had a tremendous influence on my attempted technique, as well as how I look at drumming in general include Mike Portnoy, Terry Bozzio and Neil Peart for their outstanding contributions to the world of prog rock; Carter Beauford, Bobby Rock and Brian Coryell for the passion they play with in rock and fusion; and speed demon/powerhouses like Jason Rullo, Casey Grillo and Dave Mackintosh in the world of metal.
Other...stuff
I do have a life outside of drumming! My amazingly gorgeous and intelligent girlfriend Megan Yang and our cats form my nuclear family, the hardest critics to impress by far. I enjoy a number of ridiculous shows like the Simpsons, Code Monkeys, and pretty much everything on Adult Swim. We are also disgusting Trek fans for everything except DS9 and Enterprise. My favorite authors include the late Mr.'s Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut and Mark Twain (relative infact). I also believe that if I cannot be instated as the first emporer of the United States, that Steven Colbert should be president, with Matt Groening forced to be Secretary of State.
Getting my shirt signed by the one and only Billy Cobham at a recent clinic.
Me and the squirrel were friends...