By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/12/2018
"That's kind of like asking who your favorite kid is (laughs). I like the title track, I like them all," says veteran rocker Joe Grushecky as he discussed his new CD, his songwriting process and more as he preps for his July 14 Wonder Bar show in Asbury Park, NJ.
"More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows," was released at the beginning of April 2018 and is a 12 track album that many feel is long overdue. "This the first full band studio record in nine years," he explained. "I did a solo acoustic CD then a solo record and we did a live record, "Live at The Stone Pony" to celebrate our twentieth anniversary but yeah the first band studio record in nine years."
A recent press release referred to Grushecky feeling that there was, "Much loss and turmoil" and that this may have found its way into the recordings and Joe clarified it as such. "We've lost so many people and great musicians over the last couple of years; David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty and just one after another, Glen Campbell and these were people that I've really admired and listened to over the years and it just seems that it's my particular age group's swan song. Our country is also in great turmoil so it was an unsettling time when I wrote these songs."
Being an experienced musician usually comes with adaptations or pressure to, "Fit" with what's trending; something that much to his credit he has refused to give into. "In my case, I've been able to stick to my guns all these years I have a good band and enjoy playing with them and we feel like adopted sons in Asbury Park which is very complimentary because we are from Pittsburgh and we feel really at home when we go there. I'm primarily a band guy and I've gone in and out of fashion numerous times (Laughs), I do play solo and I play different songs than I do with my band, so I've been fortunate enough or stubborn enough to stick to my guns. I've ridden out a few waves, popularity ebbs and flows but I'm probably the exception to the rule because I haven't changed that particularly much over the years."
Along those lines, his approach to writing music goes back to his youth when his tastes and palate were being formed. There is also the longevity factor which he has seemingly learned to manage quite successfully as he continues to produce quality music year after year.
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"We're a very rootsy band," he said with confidence. "I grew up in the '60's when everything was cross pollinated and I listened to everyone that the guys at the Jersey Shore were listening to and we were playing a lot of the same cover songs here in Pittsburgh that they were in Jersey during the formative years. When I started doing my own thing and writing that music just seeped in, it was in my DNA. I write what I write and this particular record I wrote way more songs than I ended up using and once I hit upon the theme of, "More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows," which I probably Just blurted out one day talking to someone and thought it would be a good title for a song; once I hit that particular song it became the theme for this record. You know, you reach a certain age and you can see the end of the road is sort of in sight and you're operating from the knowledge that your time is finite; it's going to run out sooner or later so that sort of was the mindset in writing these songs but that being said it's certainly not a morbid record, we put a lot of fire in these tracks."
Grushecky has also worked with some of the best known producers and engineers in the industry. Names like Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter and more have attached themselves to his work.
"There was also Steve Cropper, one of the most legendary guitar players of all time; I've been very fortunate to work with some of the best producers. They listened to my work and I guess they decided that I was worth working with. Bruce Springsteen and I were personal friends before he produced me. He admired my work with the Iron City House Rockers and I of course admired his work and it was sort of a natural fit for Bruce and I because we are peers, the same age and he was a natural fit because of our friendship and we enjoy each other's work. The other guys, I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and they considered my music worthwhile enough to work with me so I am very fortunate."
The July 14 appearance is their only area show and one of only five shows between then and an August 7 appearance in Bethlehem, PA at, "Musikfest." It is important for he and the band to schedule shows accordingly as well as promote the new CD as much as possible.
"July 14 we will be at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, we're getting out there. My plans right now are to try and get as many people to hear this record as possible. It's still brand new and we plan on going out and playing it as much as we can and then at some point I've got a bunch of new songs all ready so I'm ready to go back and record again because I really like to record. I'm not much of a tech head so I'll gladly let someone else sit there and turn the knobs but for now I'm concentrating on this record and getting it out there."
To discover more about Joe Grushecky, please go to www.joegrushecky.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
Alchemist & Barrister 28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Summer Courtyard Concert Series" feat. DC Fusion (FREE Admission)
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Glenn McClelland Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Patrick & Debra
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Ed Wilson & Carol Brooks
Wed. 6 p.m. Fermenters
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room 19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. 10 p.m. Ben Gilese
Broken Goblet Brewing1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour" feat. Mike Estabrook / John from "Love Killed Kurt"
Fri. 8 p.m. DVT
Sat. 3 p.m. "Goblestock 4" 4th. Anniversary Party feat. Medusa's Disco, Bazmati Vice, Peace & The City Grease, The Parsnip Revolt, Rock The Nation (Kiss Tribute). (FREE Admission)
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Brian Bortnick
Brothers Pizza871 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 586-2707
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music On The Patio" feat. The Ess Gees
BT Restaurant 2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 7 p.m. "BT Comedy Night" feat. Bob Levy. $20
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Burlington County Amphitheater5 Pioneer Boulevard Westampton
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Jeff Levine (7 p.m.) Chicago 9 Band
Sat. 7 p.m. Boss Radio AM Gold
Caffe Galleria23 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 397-2400
Fri. 7 p.m. Blue Wave Ramblers
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Championship Bar931 Chambers street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Tues. 8 p.m. "Every Tuesday Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb
Chickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays"
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Crazy & The Brains
Diamond's of Hamilton 661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night" and Dance Party w/ Frankie "O"
Fri. 6 p.m. "Diamond's After Dark" feat. Tara Woodcock
Sat. 6 p.m. The Swing Of Things
Sun. 10 a.m. Live Jazz Brunch Buffet
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano.
Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Fri. 9 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Mike Leggerie (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft & The Alternators
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Mikey Raggz (4 p.m.) Christine Warren
Frans Pub116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. (TBA)
Freddies Tavern 12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grounds For Sculpture80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Please check web site for upcoming events
Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope 105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8:30 p.m.) Philly Rock & Soul. $7 (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 8 p.m. Honey West feat. Ian McDonald / Nytrous. Doors at 6 p.m., $25
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Black Cat Habitat, Michael Baine
Hopewell Theater 5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Danielia Cotton. $26.50, $29, $53, $58, $63, $106, $116.
Sat. 11:30 a.m. "Family Fun Concert" feat. Billy Kelly
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn 15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dan Kassel
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Lifters
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Acoustic Road
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Piano, Bass, Jazz
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Whiskey Grin
Sat. 9:30 p.m. 80's party w/ Jimmy Jam
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. The Grouser Girls
Sat. 1 p.m. John Rossi
Sun. 2 p.m. Bob & Dave
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Generals Krank
All shows 21+
Jake's Eatery 869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
Jimmy's Firestone American Grill140 Route 130 South Bordentown
(609) 291-0200
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Bar Games and Trivia"
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Cosmo Iacavazzi
Fri. 9 p.m. Sean Massaro Band
Sat. (3 p.m.) Steve Oakley Band (9:30 p.m.) Sonic Blenders
Sun. (3 p.m.) The Adventure Soundtrack (9:30 p.m.) Room Service
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. The Wilderness
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. "Spiked Seltzer Mermaid Party" w/ Radio Fiction
Sat. 9 p.m. Out To Lunch
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "2018 Laurita Junior Idol Singing Showcase" Idol Tryouts
Fri. 7 p.m. Awesome 80's Dance Party
Sat. 12 p.m. "Wine Barrel Tasting" (1 p.m.) Rick Winow (7 p.m.) Movie Night Under the Stars: "Jumanji." Ages 21+
Sun.12 p.m. "Wine Barrel Tasting" (1 p.m.) First Call
Wed. 6 p.m. "Laurita Summer Grill Night"
Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7 p.m. John Beacher
Sat. 7:30 p.m. James Popik Duo
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Dave Dales
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
Sun. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
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. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Sat. 9 p.m. "Touring Titans" feat. Enemy ofthe State, Belligerent, Assayer. Ages 21+, $5
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment
Mercer County Park Festival GroundsHughes Drive/Old Trenton Road Windsor
(609) 448-1947
Fri. 7 p.m. "Freedom Fest State Fair" feat. Human Wheels
Sat. 4 p.m. "Freedom Fest State Fair Ladies of Country" feat. Jo Smith, Madeline Smith, Jo Dee Messina. $12.50 (Advance/General Admission), $30 (Advance/Reserved Seating)
Sun. "Freedom Fest State Fair Mercer County Rock Legends" feat. (12 p.m.) Paul Plumeri Blues Band (1:30 p.m.) Joe Zook & Blues Deluxe (3:30 p.m.) DD and the Dive Bombers (5 p.m.) Kindred Spirit (7:30 p.m.) "Rock & Roll Heaven Show" feat. Ernie White & Friends
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. "Hardcore Punk Rock Show" feat. Out Live Death, Walk The Plank, Coach's Son, Doc Rotten. $7
Sat. 9 p.m. Intercourse, HAAN, Bionic Monkey, 19DRT. Ages 21+, $6
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
Mill Hill Park Levitt Amp Concert Series165 East Front Street Trenton
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Quincy Mumford. (FREE Admission)
Music On Main15 South Main Street Yardley, PA
Sat. 7 p.m. Tumbleweed
Music On The Street16 South State Street Newtown, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. The John B's
New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Thurs. 8 p.m. Paula Cole. Doors at 7 p.m., $40
Nook's PourHouse 2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Sat. 9 p.m. Class A Kings
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
Ages 21+
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Sir Xerri Acoustic Trio
Palace Of Asia4591 Route 27 Kingston
(609) 497-9500
Wed. 7 p.m. True Acoustic
Palermo's Of Hamilton 310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Bobby Jones
Fri. 8 p.m. Jerry Monk, Joe Kramer, Rich Berends
Sat. 8 p.m. Riverdogs
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Parx Casino (360 Bar) 2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(888) 588-7299
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Latin Night" w/ DJ George Dennis
Fri. (5 p.m.) Cracklin' Diamond (9:30 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis (10 p.m.) DJ Willoughby
Sat. (5 p.m.) Dirty Love (9:30 p.m.) The Zone (10 p.m.) DJ Capps
Sun. 5 p.m. Tom Trovas Group
Wed. 8 p.m. The Legendary Wild
Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Drunk Monkeys
Sat. 9 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Randy Now's Man Cave 134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Fri. 8 p.m. 70's Glam Night w/ Creem Circus. All ages, $10
Sat. 8 p.m. Mike Gent. All ages, $12
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Paul Collins & Paul Stingo. (FREE event)
Robbinsville Town Center Free Summer Concert SeriesGazebo at Town Center Lake Robbinsville
Sat. 7 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. Audio Pilot
Salt Creek Grille 1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Coral Selick
Sat. 8 p.m. Charles Clarke
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Zzaj
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Thurs. 8 p.m. Magnolia Street String Band. $20
Fri. 8 p.m. Ralph Pagno. $20
Sat. 8 p.m. Smoke Rings. $20
Sun. 7:30 p.m. "Sweet Summer Sounds - Samba to Swing" w/ Wendy Zoffer Flute Experience. $20
Mon. 8 p.m. Doris Spears. $20
Wed. 8 p.m. Michelle Lordi. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Mike & Karli
Sat. 10 p.m. Black Brant
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Pretty Baby
Sat. (1 p.m.) New Jersey Craft Beer "Summer Jam" (9 p.m.) Flight Up
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Craig Lieboff
Sat. 7 p.m. Audio Pilot
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Session Jazz Night
Terhune's Orchard330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 5 p.m. "Sips and Sounds Summer Music series" feat. Laundrymen
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Undecided
The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 8 p.m. Na Bodach
Sun. 2 p.m. Aidan & Devin Jazz Duo
The Five Four Bar & Grill8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 547-5525
Wed. 7 p.m. Cara and Righteous
The Four Crows Café41 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 869-5252
Sat. 2 p.m. Catherine Wacha
The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Darius The 1st
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern 6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Record Collector 358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming events
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. Chuck
Sat. 9 p.m. Robert Silvers
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8 p.m. Jagged Blue Band
Sun. 3 p.m. Kayla Smith and Aidan
Wed. 6 p.m. AJ Slick
Third State Brewing 352 High Street Burlington
(609) 387-1620
Sat. 7 p.m. Screamin' Rockets
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Rick Winow
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Jerry Monk
All Shows 21+
Trenton Buzz 702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman
Trenton Social 449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Sun. 9 p.m. "SIN Industry Night"
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 10 p.m. Successful Failures. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Sir Xerri. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 2 p.m. Mead Mountain Resonators
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Catmoondaddy
Sun. 1 p.m. Rhyme & Reason
Yankee Doodle Tap Room10 Palmer Square Princeton
(609) 921-7500
Thurs. 7 p.m. Rob Messina
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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
