John Gerard
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
John Gerard
www.johngerard.com
Not so long ago on a cold October evening I was walking through Harvard Square distracted by the crowded sidewalks and my own troubled thoughts of the days earlier shoot. I had conducted an interview on camera with a woman who later (six hours later) attempted suicide.
Suddenly from nowhere I heard a voice. A voice I will never forget. I followed the sound, changing direction from the appointment I was heading to, hoping to find the person or shop that was piping the incredible music into the air. Across the street I spotted a young man on the corner playing a guitar while singing. He was John Gerard. This remains one of my all-time “life’s favorite moments.”
I’m not sure how long I stood there listening, spellbound. I was hooked, incapable of leaving, late as I was for my appointment. John’s voice and his music, which I later found out were his own compositions, were stunning, compelling, arresting songs that rival even the most capable and famous performers today. Let Me Be Here is simply a victory. John’s haunting and beautiful voice carries his powerful and touching words straight to the heart, leaving all who listen transformed and moved by his enormous talent. John Michael Williams
www.johnmichaelwilliams.com
- John Michael Williams
Discography
All The Right Words
What Lies Between
Let Me Be Here
available for download or CD at Nimbit and CD Baby
Photos
Bio
Recently, John Gerard picked up his acoustic guitar and embarked on a journey to tell the only story he knew, his own.
Born in Paris, France, John grew up listening to Billy Joel, The Police, and Serge Gainsbourg, "the dirty mouth of French pop". He moved to Massachusetts in the late 70s and was introduced to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Minor Threat, and Iron Maiden. These new sounds inspired John to form a band at fourteen. After fronting various other bands he is now a solo musician.
Recently, he has earned his living playing the streets & subways of Boston and Cambridge, selling thousands of his CDs. His stage and street presence is compelling and people often let their bus and train pass by to hear Johns next song. He his powerful voice and accessible lyrics connect with those who listen.
John has heard many times, that famous line from Billy Joels Piano Man, Man, what are you doing here?
Out on the streets is where John is building his audience. He recently sold a song to an HBO producer who said, I have never stopped to listen to a street performer in my life.
Mary Gauthier said, " John Gerard's songs are real. Raw. Honest. Pure. And what a singer he is, what a beautiful voice. His new CD What Lies Between is a lovely, highly listenable body of work. Steve Rapson did a fine job producing this record. It sounds fantastic, it sounds like John. Accessible, pure, unpretentious."
Tom Driscoll, a local venue manager said, This guy has a voice that will blow you outta your seats! Powerful. John doesnt give casual performances.
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