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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Drift Away" by Tom Kanach Band

By Bob Makin

originally published: 07/23/2021


Tom Kanach Band, pictured from left to right this summer at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, are Pete Wood, Tom Kanach, Steve Buzbee, and Joe Rowley. They will return to Asbury on Aug. 14 at The Saint to play “Welcome Home Matt Pinfield,” a long-awaited homecoming for the East Brunswick music industry icon. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM KANACH

It’s really great to see my old friend Tom Kanach fronting one of Jersey’s hottest bands with Dramarama axeman Pete Wood on lead and the dynamic rhythm section of Joe Rowley on bass and Steve Buzbee on drums. 

In February, Tom released his five-song “Change” EP, which he produced with Joe, who recorded it for his own Pop Clique Records. More recently, Joe was tasked with producing and directing the latest video for “Change” for “Drift Away,” a Lennonsque lament of lost friendship. The clip makes its media premiere here: 

Another good pal of Tom’s is legendary Jersey DJ Matt Pinfield, who earlier in the year did an extensive video interview with him to help promote the “Change” EP. Tom Kanach Band are returning the favor by being the only band on the bill for “Welcome Home Matt Pinfield,” an Aug. 14 to the East Brunswick-raised music industry icon, who once again is based in L.A. The evening at The Saint in Asbury Park will feature Matt spinning tunes alongside fellow former Melody Bar DJs Pete Santiago and Ed Wong.    

The Song of the Week also is featured every Wednesday and Friday on “Radio Jersey” hosted 6 to 8 p.m. weekdays by the legendary Asbury Park DJ Lee Mrowicki at ThePenguinRocks.com.




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Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.

 

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Always Jovi with special guest, Shot of Poison

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
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Margarita Rovenskaya, piano

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Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels

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The Chris Pinnella Big Band Project

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Shemekia Copeland with special guest JB Barnes Blues Band

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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