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Neal Merrick Blackwood proudly endorses Larrivee handcrafted guitars and plays the SD-50 Tobacco Sunburst model. Neal states, "The SD-50 sounds absolutely incredible and plays like a dream. I have never played, heard or seen a finer acoustic guitar in my life. I love my Larrivee guitar!"


* Neal is working on a new CD slated for release in 2008. Tentatively, artists to appear on the CD will be Will Ackerman, Jeff Oster, Juliette Pochin, Lara James, Hans York, Tony Gerber, Rob Ickes, Muriel Anderson and others.


Lara Halidae

Planet Swan

Neal has been collaborating with a wonderful artist named Planet Swan that appears on Black Eyed Peas "Behind The Front" CD, "Hustle And Flow" Soundtrack, etc.

Neal Merrick Blackwood performed, composed and recorded some new ambient tracks in collaboration with Tony Gerber that included a duo video performance for the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy. These tracks were used in conjunction with other artist's tracks and along with live performances at the Olympics in Torino, Italy as collaborative performance works with artists such as Jan Pulsford, Chico Freeman, Tony Gerber, Christopher Hedge, Paul Horn, Stu Hamm, Jeff Oster and other artists around the world. This was accomplished via live performances on stage and by remote internet participant video performances by artists that were playing from different locations all around the world, which were projected upon an 80-foot screen behind the stage in Torino. Neal would like to give Jan Pulsford special thanks for inviting both him and Tony to participate in this event. Also, special thanks to Chico Freeman and Christopher Hedge! Neal would also like to thank Jeff Oster for his inspiring contribution and willingness to participate on very short notice.

Click here to be Neal's friend at MySpace.com and listen.

Neal Merrick Blackwood CD releases.

Now available on Space For Music Records!

To hear or purchase "Magic Traveler", please visit Space For Music Records.

Space For Music Records has just signed a deal to get SFM artist's music played and marketed in retail chain stores that include Starbucks, Old Navy, Levi's, etc.

Neal Merrick Blackwood has recorded ambient music for over 25 years. Neal Merrick Blackwood's long awaited Space For Music Records debut album is called "Magic Traveler". Neal is known for provocative melodies, unusual harmony, sound and rhythms. His new release on Space For Music Records is laced with traditional instruments such as guitars, cello, violin, trumpet, synthesizers, voice and unusual instruments such as water glasses, water drumming, etc. Neal is a veteran to music recording techniques, unique tunings and rhythms. Space for Music Records is delighted to offer this landmark recording to the public.

Neal Merrick Blackwood

Neal Merrick Blackwood is featured with performances on guitars, bass instruments, vocals, all synthesizers, flutes, whistles, xylophone, water drumming, shakers, copper bowls, copper pots, frame drum, whirl tones, dumbek drums, water glasses, glass bowls, didgeridu, bucket, cymbals, udu drum, tamboura and vibraphone.

Also, featured on the CD are the amazing talents of Space For Music Records owner and ambient recording artist, Tony Gerber (of Spacecraft); legendary artist, songwriter and guitarist, Mac Gayden on acoustic slide guitar, acoustic guitar and electric sitar; legendary artist and songwriter, Essra Mohawk on vocals; Matt Oakes on trumpet; Tom Shinness on cello and Tim Lorsch on violin!

Essra Mohawk - Vocals.

Essra Mohawk is a legendary recording artist and songwriter signed to Evidence Music Records. Essra wrote "Change Of Heart" for Cyndi Lauper, "Stronger Than The Wind" for Tina Turner and many other well-known songs. Essra was a member of Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention, The Jerry Garcia Band, etc. Essra is featured with a very special vocal performance.

Tony Gerber - Electric Guitar and Didgeridu.

Tony Gerber is the owner of Space For Music Records and is also a fellow Space For Music Records recording artist. Tony is an internationally recognized award-winning recording artist. He is also known for his work as a member of the ambient group, Spacecraft. Tony adds his masterful touch to the recording by playing electric guitar and didgeridu.

Mac Gayden - Acoustic Slide Guitar, Electric Sitar and Acoustic Guitar.

Mac Gayden is a legendary songwriter, recording artist, guitarist and is the inventor of the slide wah guitar technique. Mac wrote the ever so popular songs, "Everlasting Love" and "She Shot A Hole Through My Soul" as well as many other standards. Gloria Estefan, U2, Robert Knight, Huey Lewis And The News and many others have recorded his songs. Mac was a founding member of Barefoot Jerry, Skyboat, as well as being a member of The Alarm, etc. Mac has played guitar for such artists as Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, J.J. Cale, etc. Mac is now a founding member of the band Zenphonic. Mac Gayden displays his often-imitated amazing original playing style on Acoustic Slide Guitar, Electric Sitar and Acoustic Guitar.

Tom Shinness - Cello.

Tom Shinness is yet another amazing fellow recording artist on Space For Music Records. Tom's cello performance on is spectacular. Tom plays with legendary recording artist and guitarist, Phil Keaggy.

Tim Lorsch - Violins.

Tim Lorsch is another amazing artist that has played on thousands of recordings covering a wide spectrum of musical styles. He has made contributions to Grammy and Emmy Award winning projects, performed on TV and scored for the theater. Artists he has performed and/or recorded with include Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Pat Green, Ray Price, Percy Sledge, Lorrie Morgan, Walt Wilkins, Andrew Gold, Joy Lynn White, Goose Creek Symphony, Mel McDaniel, Mary Gauthier, Hank Thompson, Jo-El Sonnier, Allison Moorer, Danni Leigh, Townes Van Zandt, The Kinleys, Keith Gaddis, Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Kevin Welch and Sam Baker.

Neal endorses KRK Systems, Inc.

Neal finds, "When you are investing the time to make subtle adjustments in the studio it is very important to know that what you are listening to is being accurately reproduced in your studio monitors and that those subtleties will translate well on the maximum number of listening systems when the mixes leave the studio. Due to the mastering process having its limitations, mixes sound much better and end up translating much better if the mastering engineer does not have to go as far as to try and warp the mixes into perspective and only needs to use the least amount of tweaking during mastering. The KRK E8T Expose monitoring system is exactly what I have been looking for in studio monitors. The E8T monitoring system has proven its ability to translate extremely well while providing distinctly smooth and transparent clarity. I strive to give and get the best... that's why I choose to rely on the KRK E8T Expose monitoring system".

Neal would like to thank Richard Ruse of KRK, Warren B. White of Pro Audio Solutions and Barry Sanders for all of their help and support.

Neal would like to thank Joel Singer of Effanel Music, Inc., Doug Reed and Lance Wascom of Tour Supply, Inc. for hooking him up with Audio-Technica microphones.