Jesse and Ethan at Historic Grant's Lounge
Guitar, keys and vocals from one of America's most historic music venues.
See and hear the band
Live Performance
Original music
Originals
Who Will Win the War
Full-band original · Written by Jesse Bennett and Ethan Hamlin.
Straight Into My Grave
Full-band original · Written by Jesse Bennett and Ethan Hamlin.
Distinctive talent. One commanding sound.
Built to Be Seen, Heard and Remembered
Jesse Bennett
A global touring artist and magnetic guitarist with unmistakable tone, fearless improvisation and a visual presence audiences remember.
Ethan Hamlin
A commanding multi-instrumentalist whose soulful vocals and expressive keyboard work give the band depth, power and identity.
2026 Compilation
Originals, touring highlights and high-impact live musicianship from Jesse, Ethan and The Mercy.
Global touring experience
On Stage With Taj Farrant
In 2026, Jesse joined Taj Farrant’s touring band as rhythm guitarist, performing on major stages in the United States and internationally—including festival appearances in France and dates on Taj Farrant’s Buddy Guy tour run.
Artist endorsements
Trusted by Tone Innovators
Jesse Bennett is an endorsed artist with AmS Amplifiers and Kernom Pedals. His signature AmS amplifier is scheduled to debut in late August 2026.
The sound
Guitar. Keys. Fire. Feel.
Jesse Bennett's raw, searching guitar and Ethan Hamlin's expressive keys and vocals meet inside a powerful full-band groove. Together with drummer Jamal Hardge and The Mercy rhythm section, they create modern Southern rock rooted in blues, soul and the psychedelic spirit of the music that shaped them.
The result is dynamic enough for a festival stage, intimate enough for a listening room and unmistakably their own.
“Their playing reached down into me and touched my soul.”
Jesse Bennett · Guitar
Jesse is a global touring artist, guitarist and songwriter whose raw tone, fearless improvisation and emotional phrasing give The Mercy its unmistakable edge. He began playing guitar at seven and built his sound from the spirit of 1960s and ’70s rock, Southern and Delta blues, and psychedelic grooves—influenced by artists including Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Albert King and Johnny Winter. Jesse developed his craft through years of focused study, including work with Dave Weiner and repeated participation in Steve Vai and Nuno Bettencourt guitar clinics. He has been mentored by Grammy Award-winning guitarist and producer Larry Mitchell and has performed with Mitchell onstage. Jesse earned Top 10 Under 20 recognition at the Dallas International Guitar Festival for two consecutive years. In 2026, he joined Taj Farrant’s touring band as rhythm guitarist, performing on major stages across the United States and internationally. Jesse is endorsed by AmS Amplifiers and Kernom Pedals, with his signature AmS amplifier scheduled to debut in late August 2026. As co-writer of The Mercy’s original music, he brings global-stage experience, memorable visual presence and a deeply expressive guitar voice to every performance.
Ethan Hamlin · Keys & Vocals
Ethan is an accomplished pianist, organist, vocalist, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist whose expressive keys and soulful voice help define The Mercy's sound. A graduate of Middle Georgia State University's Contemporary Musicianship program with a focus on classical piano performance, he combines formal training with the instinct and freedom of Southern rock, blues, gospel and soul. Ethan is a GABBA Foundation musician and an experienced Capricorn Studios recording artist whose extensive studio work demonstrates his range as both a performer and collaborator. He has also performed alongside Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Maggie Rose, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, and musicians connected to legendary Southern rock acts. As co-writer of the band's original music, Ethan brings musical depth, emotional vocals and commanding keyboard work to both the stage and the studio.
Jamal Hardge · Drums
A powerful, responsive drummer whose deep gospel roots bring soul, instinct and dynamic energy to the band's live sound. Jamal and his brother, Jay Hardge—keyboardist for Teddy Swims—developed their musical gifts in their grandmother's church. Jamal continues that tradition every Sunday, playing at his church and serving through music at a local homeless shelter.
Artist spotlight
Jesse Bennett
Raw tone, fearless improvisation and a visual presence built for the stage—Jesse brings global touring experience and a deeply expressive guitar voice to The Mercy.
Artist spotlight
Ethan Hamlin
Powerful keys, soulful vocals and broad multi-instrumental talent—captured across the stages and instruments that shape Ethan’s unmistakable musical voice.
Current news
What Is Happening in 2026–2027
First Original Singles Arriving
“Straight Into My Grave” and “Who Will Win the War,” the first original singles from Jesse, Ethan and The Mercy, are scheduled for official release in September 2026.
Debut Album
The band's first album of original music is scheduled for release in Fall 2026.
Touring With Taj Farrant
Jesse joined Taj Farrant's touring band as rhythm guitarist for major U.S. and international performances.
Jesse Bennett Signature AmS Amplifier Debut
AmS Amplifiers will debut Jesse Bennett's signature amplifier in late August. Jesse is an endorsed artist with both AmS Amplifiers and Kernom Pedals.
2027 Tour in Planning
Jesse, Ethan and The Mercy are currently planning their 2027 tour and welcoming inquiries from venues, festivals, theatres and select special events.
Industry and audience response
What People Are Saying
Booking and press
Bring The Mercy to Your Stage
Jesse, Ethan and The Mercy are currently planning their 2027 tour and accepting booking inquiries. Available for venue, festival, theatre, support and select special-event opportunities, the band performs original Southern rock and blues-rock material alongside high-energy covers that showcase the full band's musicianship.
Request availability