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#50 Brian Molnar: Brian Molnar

By Gary Wien

originally published: 01/28/2011


Before he added The Naked Hearts as his backing band, Brian Molnar performed as a solo artist.  On his self-titled debut, he shows a more folk-based style than the Americana/Alt-Country genre that his newer work with the full band possesses.  Both styles seem to suit Brian well, and it’s fascinating to look back and see how the different musical directions changed his songs.

The album kicks off with “Sante Fe,” a beautiful tune about a wandering bard off in the country.  It sets off a series of songs about travel, dreams, and the things (and people) we leave behind.  While not a true concept album, it’s like a diary of a young artist.

Hello Santa Fe, dream of dreams

I’ve come to know you again it seems

You caught me ridin’ low

Picked me up and let me go

And it’s hello Santa Fe, dream of dreams


-- “Sante Fe”

I left my dreams

In the water under the bridge

Laying on the tracks

Hoping for a sign

Can’t read nothing

But that train driver’s mind

And I pray to God  

That you’d throw me a line


-- “Throw Me A Line”

It’s a crime that virtually every singer-songwriter is compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, but I’ll do it anyway.  While Brian’s voice is nothing like Dylan’s, there are similarities with his lyrics and melodies.  On this early release he establishes himself as a truly amazing songwriter; mixing poetry with music and sparkling bits of wisdom, just as Dylan did several decades earlier.




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Highlights include “Sante Fe,” “Miss You,” “Black and Blue,” “Throw Me A Line,” and “Chariots.”


From the book Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists by Gary Wien
About the author:

Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


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Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina

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(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
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Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th

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(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
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Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th

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Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
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MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


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The Brandee Younger Trio

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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The Sergio Mendes Band

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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