Mark Erelli made a nice splash when he appeared on the music scene in 1999 with his eponymous debut from Signature Sounds. Critics from Billboard to the Boston Herald were singing his praises, and the Kerrville New Folk Contest named him top dog in its competition. Erelli followed up two years later with the album Compa** & Companion, drawing more critical praise, as well as a pair of nominations from the Boston Music Awards. Kelly Willis appeared on the album, singing with Erelli on the title song. Erelli supported the new release with numerous shows and festival appearances across the U.S., including Alaska. He has shared the stage with such artists as Gillian Welch, Dave Alvin, Buddy and Julie Miller, and John Hiatt. br /br /Erelli went on to release The Memorial Hall Recordings in 2002, an album that he recorded in a hall in Ma**achusetts that dates back to the Civil War. He recorded all the tracks in less than a week without the aid of overdubs or other modern enhancements. All the numbers, from Erelli's original material to the region's traditional tunes, were laid down as entire performances, from start to finish. In 2004 his album Hillbilly Pilgrim was released, and in 2006 came Hope & Other Casualties, which had been recorded over the span of a year with producer Lorne Entress, who played seven instruments (Erelli played the remaining 11). Hope & Other Casualties features a song co-written by Catie Curtis and a cover of Ron Sexsmith's "God Loves Everyone." ~ Linda Seida, All Music Guide