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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.

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



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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].


EVENT PREVIEWS

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
Bergen County

Bergen County's "Music At The Barn" Series presents The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, III and the Board of Commissioners invite the public to attend a free music concert featuring The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday, July 26 from 4:00pm– 6:30pm at the Wortendyke Barn Museum, a County Historic Site (13 Pascack Rd in Park Ridge, NJ). This is the first concert in the 2026 music series.
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.

The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.

 

MORE EVENTS


Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Deadgrass

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Stone Flower - ​Santana Tribute Band

Saturday, August 01, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Wednesday, August 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ



 

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