Have Mercy! Records was founded with a single purpose. To record Arbess Williams. She was performing at a free concert in a park and I couldn't figure out why nobody had recorded such a great talent. Nobody was interested. It was a shame. Making about every mistake in the book, we finally released her CD. It did OK locally, but it never brought her the national attention she deserved. Since then Have Mercy! Records has recorded other Sacramento area blues artists trying to bring more exposure to a thriving blues scene. In 1994 the scope of the label expanded with the recording of the W.D. Gospel Singers, the finest gospel group in Northern California. In 1995 Have Mercy! Records was chosen as the Best Independent Blues Label by Westcoast Blues Review (now Real Blues). With virtually no distribution, and an esoteric roster, Have Mercy! Records are probably the worst-selling blues records around. Omar Sharriff's Baddass CD may be both our finest recording and biggest disappointment. Full spectrum blues magazines, blues radio DJ's and the record buying public have virtually ignored it. Maybe in a few years when the label is belly-up, some major label will "discover" it and re-issue it. Hopefully Omar is still around to get a couple of bucks. Since we've learned so much, it is only right to complete the original mission. A new Arbess CD is in the works. Hopefully it won't be on Have Mercy! Records so the public will discover what we've known for so long. If some major label doesn't have the balls to put it out, we will. (November 1996)

Well, it's been a couple of years and virtually every major label has turned down Arbess Williams' new CD. Some were kind enough to respond, ("Not up our alley...") others didn't even bother. So we're putting it out ourselves. See what the major labels are depriving you of. You won't be disappointed. (February 1999)

To book Have Mercy! artists for festivals, shows or events, email bigmike@havemercy.com or call us at (916) 486-3729.