The wistful, poignant sound of Nashville's Blue Merle was born when singer/songwriter/guitarist Luke Reynolds met standup bassist Jason Oettel. The two had been together for only four months when they were offered their first production/publishing deal from the president of Sony Publishing, who was eavesdropping on a recording session. Reynolds and Oettel were blown away by the offer but wanted to work on forming a band, something that would put them up front in the music business rather than in the background. Mandolinist Beau Stapleton joined first, followed by drummer Willi...