Blackwater Station - On The Road To A Trapeze Fight (2018)

John Gerard and Luke MacNeil met at a monthly coffee shop open mic in Bellingham, MA called the Cafe Espresso in 2004. Gerard had been pursuing a solo acoustic career after a decade of performing with local rock bands. MacNeil was new to performance and was drawn to the authenticity and intensity in Gerard’s performances. The two began performing together all around Massachusetts.

Both MacNeil and Gerard spent time under the tutelage of Mr. Stephen Rapson, author of “The Art of the Solo Performer”. Over the years Rapson was instrumental in the creative and professional development of both artists, and produced several studio albums including MacNeil’s “Here’s one for Sanity” in 2006 and Gerard’s “What Lies Between” in 2008. Rapson also produced an unreleased record with Gerard, MacNeil, and pianist/vocalist Adrienne Ghilani under the artist name “Social Stone” in 2009.

In 2010, Gerard made a change in career and stepped away from the scene for a while. During this time MacNeil continued writing, performing, and hosting a monthly songwriting challenge at The Rose Garden Restaurant in Upton, MA.

In 2013 – MacNeil self recorded, produced and released an album of cover songs, including a cover of Gerard’s own song, “Pariah”. That record was titled “These are Good Songs”.

In 2016 – MacNeil tried out to play guitar for high school acquaintance Crystal Joy Smith’s band “Crystal Joy”. Crystal Joy had recently released their EP “Elephant EP” – in 2014 and had also obtained a level of commercial success in advertising. Fortunately for all involved MacNeil didn’t make the cut – but instead stole Smith and they formed a new band later to be known as “Rabelais”.

Rabelais wrote and recorded their first album “Forever Unpunched” in 2016-2017 in MacNeil’s home studio. After that album’s release and with the lessons learned in making it – MacNeil reached out to long time friend John Gerard with an idea to make a new record. The record they always wanted to make – and that’s exactly what they did.

Gerard wrote a batch of solo acoustic songs, brought them to MacNeil and Smith – and again in MacNeil’s home studio – they added keys, and strings – drums, and e-bows and created this very unique and organic record. Written by John Gerard and produced by Rabelais – a true collaboration – released in 2018



Track List:
01. Revolver 03:12
02. Secrets 03:24
03. New York City 03:52
04. Some Kind Of Love 03:44
05. You Came Along 04:06
06. Nobody Move 03:38
07. Abandon Me 03:40
08. The Evil That Men Do 03:12
09. Indignation 03:43
10. The One 03:41
11. Desperation 03:49
12. Over You 03:40

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