CEDAR SPARKS

Two songs of love and murder, based on true life events circa 1833.
via the La Société Expéditionnaire imprint.
. . . . . . .
“Maggie” - October 30, 2020 quick link
Premiered by Folk Radio UK - Editor’s Pick + Song of the Day
&
”Blood in the River” November 20, 2020 quick link
Video Premiere + Feature by Folk Radio UK - Editor’s Pick + Song of the Day

Cedar Sparks is the songwriting partnership of Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth) and Lou Rogai (Lewis & Clarke). Their meeting was as if arranged by fate, discovering each were fans of the other’s music and sharing affinity for obscure Gothic Folk and Psychedelic Americana. A partnership was born, developing into shared studio spaces in a hive of artists in a historic building along the Delaware River. The Castle Inn was headquarters to famed bandleader Fred Waring and his choral group, “The Pennsylvanians”. The building is steeped in musical history, filled with former rehearsal rooms, writing rooms, and music printing presses. This energy, along with ghosts and folklore, is woven into the fabric of Cedar Sparks; Carbone and Rogai feeling as if they’ve “always been the caretakers”.

Their environment certainly informs their music, as evidenced in the upcoming 7” of murder ballads, detailing a sensational and tragic true-life crime which took place over a century ago. These two songs are based on a true story of love and murder circa 1883, Easton PA. They are written in the first person from the perspective of Charles Getter, a delusional psychopath who believes he's acting out of love. In "Maggie", he woos his bride-to-be with charm and clichés of courtship, but there are certain red flags in his language that are overlooked.  In "Blood in the River", he snaps, murdering her (and consequently their unborn child), singing/professing to her from the gallows above the Delaware River. Getter's Island takes its name from this execution, a circus-like public spectacle with Getter wearing a white suit for the occasion.

RIYL: American Music Club, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Current 93, The Handsome Family, Wovenhand, Scott Walker
All songs written, performed, and tracked and produced by Tim Carbone & Lou Rogai
Mixed by Don Sternecker at Mixolydian
Original illustrations by Dylan Garrett Smith

"Maggie"

Your breath is the wind, your eyes are the light
Your touch is the reason I cling to this life
Lady in waiting, our time will come soon
Only a maiden so fair is promised the sun and the moon
Delicate fingers, stems of a rose
A crown, or a halo, of golden primrose

Shining immortal, this love it is ours
Just like the tears in your eyes,
Reflecting the light of the stars
Follow me quickly before they awake
Your father's permission, a promise we make
Forever bonded in spirit and flesh
I take you for my wife, in this life and the next

Maggie, it's you and me….forever free

In the murmuring crowd we were lost and alone
Now we are walking our only true road
Here on our journey no more shall we roam
In deathless love we stay, an eternity is calling our name

Maggie, it's you and me…forever free

"Blood in the River"

I paid my price without a sound
These chains of love, honor bound
You know these vows won't reconcile
A father's pride or a bastard child
I am a man without a past
Just for you I remove the mask
Soon my love, I will set you free
Forever hold our mystery
Around your neck, the softest skin
My gift of peace shall be my sin
In my hands a final breath
As you fall silent in your Sunday dress

Return to you your dowry
A child within your bones
You rest beneath the quarry
You sleep amongst the stones

Island gallows towering
Bloodthirsty thousands gathering
In a suit of white I shine for you
Above the water, skies of blue
Here I am at the river's bend
This is where I meet my end
Wait for me, I will join you soon
On the rise of the Black Moon

Our blood is in the river
It washes me away
To you it shall deliver
As we return to clay