By Danny Coleman
originally published: 06/17/2021
Alan Hewitt, and his band mates which comprise One Nation have extensive resumes; very extensive resumes. The Moody Blues, Pat Benatar, Motley Crue, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Martina McBride and John Lodge are only a handful from the list of artists this group of musicians have performed with or supported.
So, with that much talent assembled it's only logical that there should be a recording or three in the works and this "Super Group" has not disappointed. So; when is the much-anticipated release of their latest work titled "2021" due?
"We are going to base it around a tour, that's why we are waiting but it's probably going to be at the end of the summer; especially at the rate it's going," laughed an enthusiastic Alan Hewitt. "We are all in different areas and sending tracks back and forth but it's coming out good. What happens is, I put everything together and send it out to each of the guys to put their own stuff on it; we've actually been doing this since before COVID. This is kind of the way for years that we've been doing it so, it's nothing new but it's nice to do the thing all together too. We've played together enough where I know how to write for the guys and get the correct stuff down; it's working out well actually."
Oh? So; what you're saying Alan is that the pandemic hasn't affected your methods of recording?
"The kind of recording where you are all in together has become kind of a rare thing. Even back in the day when I was working on Earth, Wind & Fire or any of the bands that I used to produce or record with, we'd only have the horn section in at one time and then maybe the drums and rhythm section or the guitar; it's not as if the whole band was in there doing a song at one time. Way before that, everybody did that because they didn't have the tracks to deal with but as soon as there was the luxury of having multiple or 24 plus tracks and now it's unlimited; it's really up to the guy writing the song or the arranger to make it so everything fits in the right places and then the guys add their own character to it and that's what brings the specialness out in a song; the person's performance. A lot of times I think a person will have a better performance when they are working in their own space and not having somebody putting pressure on them to get what they think should be there instead of what really should be there. That, to me, is what kind of gives it life, especially when you are working with top-notch people. I just got tracks from David C. Johnson the bass player and they are excellent and this song that we are working on now has kind of a Moody Blues, Beatles vibe to it. He used a Hohner bass like McCartney had and he plays with The Neville Brothers. So, there's so many ways to do it but I kind of like this way because it gives me a chance to zone in on everybody's performance and fix the things that I don't like."
Hewitt has been touring and playing keyboards with the Moody Blues since 2010; he and guitarist Duffy King have also worked with Moody's bassist John Lodge and the connections to those legendary rockers have played a part in the band's formation.
"I've been in his thing since the beginning and co-wrote and co-produced some of the songs with John," he explained. "We started our first little stint over in England; we had a band over there to tour and then we regrouped and used Billy Ashbaugh from the Moody Blues and he's also in John's band and then Duffy King is in One Nation as well and then we have a cello player from Detroit named Jason and that's that band. So, yeah, I've been with John Lodge from the start and as a matter of fact, John has a new album coming out called "A Royal Affair," after the tour we did of the same name with Yes, Cal Palmer's ELP Experience and Asia."
They've released two singles from the forthcoming album; the latest being "We're One Nation" and the name of the song reflects on the band's young history.
"We're One Nation;" this band, I've been doing this since 2015. The first record was with Sonny Emory the drummer of Earth, Wind & Fire and Bruce Hornsby and JV Collier from Bruce Hornsby and Jamie Glaser from Chick Correa's electric band. That was the first version of this and the label wanted to have it called One Nation so, that's what we did and rather than change it we just kept it going. I do pretty much all of the writing and in most cases do the lead vocals on the new thing but we wanted to make this a band as much as we could; Duffy and David sing really well too so we are doing a lot of harmonies. I've always loved Crosby, Stills and Nash and Yes does that kind of stuff too so we wanted to combine that with what we are doing."
"There's going to be 10 tracks and we did a live show and I think we are going to put some of those on as bonus tracks too," continued Hewitt. "They were on the last album but we did them a little differently and just added a little bit. Did you ever notice when you do an album it's; oh, there's not enough songs? The thing is that most of the songs on this album are six minutes plus and some of them are eight minutes so, they are typical progressive rock type long songs; there's plenty of time for somebody to listen to it and enjoy it for long periods of time (laughs)."
Hewitt has had his hand in many projects with multiple artists and in various roles from producer to session player, writer and performer.
"I actually co-wrote "Cherry Pie" with Warrant and how that happened was, we both had the same management and they didn't have the single that they needed and the label called their management and said, "There's no single for this record," and of course the guys got a little ticked off about that as you do when somebody tells you that you have to do more. So, Eddie our manager called and said, "Alan, they're coming down to write with you; you guys have to write a new hit single" and I said, Oh, OK, no pressure (laughs) and we knocked it out in about 30 minutes. Then we took it to the studio because we were kind of on a time limit and they were waiting at the studio and we downloaded all of the stuff from the computer and away they went with the guitars and drums and they did the vocals the next day. I was doing the B-3 stuff on "Uncle Tom's Cabin" before that happened so, we were already friends."
He doesn't stop there, Hewitt's tree has many branches; including scoring for film and television.
"I do film and TV scoring; I've probably done over 200 shows so there's lots of stuff there. I did "Bridgette Jones The Edge Of Reason" "National Lampoon's Van Wilder;" that kind of stuff. I've had a nice run with all of the different things that I've been able to do and it's a good thing too because I get a little bored doing just one thing. I did "Dr. Oz" for Oprah; I'm not the only guy, there are lots of guys who do that but if you do one show you pretty much do them all for her."
With the new album coming together and things settling down across the globe; where does One Nation go from here?
"Right now we are in the process of putting it all together and there are two or three labels that are interested and as soon as we get it done we'll go with one of those labels and then I'll keep doing what I'm doing. I've been doing about three or four interviews a week and just kind of getting the name out there. We're also going to be doing "Cruise To the Edge" in 2022 and probably a tour prior to that; it's always fun on those cruises because you meet a lot of people and it's like a musicians hang, I love it. I got to have dinner with Roger Daltrey and he was a gas, he was so funny and I had breakfast with Greg Lake. These are people that I grew up listening to and it's pretty awesome. You find out that everybody pretty much is the same but it's just different situations they were involved with."
To discover more about Alan Hewitt & One Nation, please visit www.alanhewittandonenation.com .
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 7 p.m. Dangerous Duo
Fri. 7 p.m. Katfish Lucy
Tues./Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ "Super" Dave Curtis
Ages 21+
Broken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Jason Portizo Duo
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic w/ Cara Cartney
All Shows 21+
Championship Bar 931 Chambers street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Tuesday 8 p.m. "Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb
Ages 21+
Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 771-0400
Fri. 6 p.m. Kindred Spirit
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Joe Cerisano, SOF, Dave Caponetto
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. (8 p.m.) Union (9 p.m.) "Club Night" feat. Rotating DJs (inside event)
Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) Shameless
Sat. 8 p.m. The FredZ
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov
Mon. 7 p.m. "Sunny Monday Blues Jam" and Country Music Night
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Karen and Mark
Wed. (12 p.m.) "Wine Down Wednesdays" (7 p.m.) Plush
All Events Ages 21+
Dacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Fri. 6 p.m. Skippy's Toy
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday/Ladies Night" w/ DJ entertainment feat. retro 70's, 80's and 90's music.
Fri. / Sat. 9 p.m. DJ entertainment
Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Fri. 6 p.m. AJ Jesson
Sat. 4 p.m. Pat Stoner
Sun. 4 p.m. Brian Elliot
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Kickbax
Sat. 8 p.m. Two For Flinching
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. The Zings Band
Gleason's Bar6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Thurs. 7 p.m. Weekly Corn Hole Tournament
Fri. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour"
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night w/ "Gina the Balloon Girl"
Greenhouse 90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1657
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Musicians Night Out" Hosted by Lovelight
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Sam Ryan
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Dwayne Dunlevy
Grounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Sat. 10 a.m. "Member Mornings"
Hamilton Elks 1580 Kuser Road Hamilton
(609) 585-8610
Sat. 7 p.m. Tiltin' Catz
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk n' Blues Jam
Fri. 8 p.m. "Live At The Fillmore" Allman Brothers Tribute. Doors open at 6pm, $30
HG New Hope Pizza6510 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-1740
Sat. 6 p.m. Stranger Things
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) DJ Darius The 1st
Sat. 1 p.m. Roundabout
Sun. 1 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Bud & Maggs
Sat. 6:30 p.m. The Grouser Girls
Sun. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. "Thursday Night Dance Party"
Fri. 9 p.m. Jason Fox
Sat. 8 p.m. General's Krank
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Fri. 9 p.m. Mike Montrey Band
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. Radio Fiction
KUO Social2360 Route 33 Suite 106 Robbinsville
(609) 208-9988
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit Duo
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. (12 p.m.) "Wine In The Grove Friday-Father's Day Edition" (5 p.m.) "Cornhole Tournament" (6 p.m.) "BBQ Grill Night" $34.99 (order tickets online)
Sat. 12 p.m. "Wine In The Grove-Father's Day Edition" (FREE Admission)
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Father's day Brunch" (Adults $52 includes tax and gratuity/Ages 6-12 $30) (12 p.m.) "Wine In The Grove-Father's Day Edition" (2:30 p.m.) "Father's Day Brunch" (Adults $52 includes tax and gratuity/Ages 6-12 $30)
Makefield Highlands Golf Club1418 Woodside Road Yardley, PA
(215) 321-7000
Fri. 5 p.m. Ryan Shubert
Marie's Kozy Korner111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Fri. 7 p.m. Bill Monach
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beer Pong Night"
Sat. 7 p.m. "Off-Site Craft Night"
More Than Q 13 Klines Court Lambertville
(609) 773-0072
Sat. 2 p.m. The Successful Failures
Music Mountain Theater1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Murder At Cheltenham Manor"
Sat./Sun. 3 p.m. "Murder At Cheltenham Manor"
New Egypt Flea Market Village933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge
(609) 758-2082
Sun. 8 a.m. "Father's Day at The Market"
New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. The Weeklings
Sun. 1 p.m. Stranger Things
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Game Of Thrones" Trivia Night
Sat. 7 p.m. Rob Groden
Sun. 12 p.m. "Father's Day Food & Beer Pairing"
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Fri. 6 p.m. Bigg Romeo
Sat. 6 p.m. Wurl
Sun. 4 p.m. Sir Rod
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Old Hights Brewing123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Deep Release
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Sara and The Sound
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Tues. 7 p.m. "Dinner Is A Drag." Ages 21 +, $30 (includes $30 food credit)
Palmer Square40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Locals Night" w/ Live "Strolling" Musician
Sat.12 p.m. David Alastre & Latineo
Sun 4 p.m. Ritmo Caliente
Pasquale's Sports Bar9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (TBA)
Sat. 7 p.m. DJ or Live Band Entertainment
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Revere Restaurant802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Wed. 7 p.m. David Boyd
Romeo's Restaurant & Pizza10 Schalks Crossing Road Plainsboro
(609) 799-4554
Fri. 7 p.m. The Blue-Eyed Balladeer
Rosedale Mills101 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 737-2008
Sat. 1 p.m. Outdoor Line Dancing. $10 (Rain date Sundays 12 p.m.)
Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sun. 4:30 p.m. Monk & Monk
Sandy's Beef & Ale2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Sat. 7 p.m. Danny Quimby
Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA
Wed. 7 p.m. Beach Boys Tribute w/ "Sail On" (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)
Spellbound Brewing10 Lippincott Lane #12 Mt. Holly
(609) 832-0077
Sun. 1 p.m. Class A Kings
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Ryan McGuire
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Barry Wasserman
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney
Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 4 p.m. "Sips & Sounds Friday" feat. Mark Miklos
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Bill Flemer
Sun.1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Jim Matlack & Joe Kramer
TGI Fridays 319 US Highway 130 North East Windsor
(609) 490-1450
Sun. 3 p.m. Bill W and Dennis Rogers
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kevin Kirko
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. 9 p.m. Franco & Crabby
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Asylum Choir
The Dubliner 34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Sun. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. David Falcone
The Morrisville Tavern376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Fri. 7 p.m. Dan Ward
Mon. 7 p.m. "Country Night"
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Sat. 8 p.m. Bad Hombres
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8 p.m. Soul Fanatics
Sat. 8 p.m. Chris Alan Trio
Trenton Buzz 702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays"
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage
All shows 21+
Water's Edge Gastropub and Lounge1067 Totem Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-2095
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cornhole "Blind Draw." $10
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Summer Fun In The Sun" Vendor Event (7 p.m.) "Comedy on the Crick"
Sun. 12 p.m. Drag Brunch
Wed.7 p.m. Drag Bingo & Karaoke
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Chris Roselle
Sun. 2 p.m. Acoustic Road
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
About the author:
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
