By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/22/2018
Jersey Shore area artist Gil Velazquez has done it once again. He has released more music and done so in the shortest of manners; a three song EP titled, "Sol Celebration."
Velazquez draws from a range of influences. Which are evident in this far too short collection of well written reflections he has assembled. "I've slowly been working on this project and it's a very interesting set of songs," he stated in a recent interview. "I've got so much in my head and in my heart musically that I just can't paint myself into a corner with what I record."
The collection is a triumph over sadness and loss and served as an outlet for Velazquez. Track number one is a heavily latter day Carlos Santana influenced piece with Rob Thomas type vocal inflections called, "Out of My Mind." The song begins with some nicely done guitar work and swells, setting the Latin tone for the rhythms to come. Gil performs all of the instruments and did some drum tracking on this cut which immediately breaks into an upbeat Latin percussion laden toe tapper after the intro. The thing which stands out a bit is the vocal track; something Velazquez doesn't always employ, let alone with the strength that he does here. "Gotta get you out of my mind, it's gonna take a lot this time," no explanation needed here as to this one's inspiration; the only thing more prominent may be the soaring guitar solo in the middle and at the end.
Track number two is the title cut which once again has a very Latin flavor and is a return to Velazquez's trademark; an instrumental work that can best be described as big. Every step of the way, this tune swells, ebbs and flows (mostly flows) and is reminiscent of something from a movie soundtrack. Well placed percussion and a backdrop of keys at opportune times with searing yet sometimes weeping guitar and a great drum track take you on the emotional journey that he intended to convey when it was recorded. This was 10 years in the making and is very personal for Gil, "Sol Celebration" was a genesis of dealing with loss in a spiritual way years ago when my dad passed," he explains about the EP in the disc's booklet. "Years later while finishing up on this production, my mom was transitioning from living independently to a nursing home. She was a lover of life, food, music and people. Her passing while I was finishing this production really struck once again the analogy of our, "Sol" our inner light that I believe does transcend into another light, another energy. I feel it has to be a celebration in some ways as our souls move on."
"Somebody," is the final offering and starts off with a keyboard intro which transitions into vintage Velazquez; heavy rhythms and eerie sustains of single notes. Shortly into this more of a rock sounding and definitely driving tune there is a solo with a Wah Pedal buried just beneath the surface of his in your face solo. "Sometimes somebody just says good bye," is the simple message punched home with authority in this once again, reality based tune.
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Overall, "Sol Celebration" is a quick trip through the musical and at times eclectic mind of Velazquez. We feel his ups, downs and intentions not only lyrically but through the music as well; a rarity in much of today's pop driven commercial market.
To discover more about Gil Velazquez and find out how to obtain his music; please visitwww.gilvelazquez.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
Please check web page for upcoming events
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Sat. (9 a.m.) "St Patrick's Day Parade" feat. (12 p.m.) Billy O'Neil (2 p.m.) The Polish Nannies
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade After Party" w/ DJ John Rossi
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. Ed Wilson
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. David Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi
Wed. 6 p.m. Gary Reed & Arturo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room 19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Byrd
Broken Goblet Brewing1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5653
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Stealing Fame, Jay Skull in Spades.
Bung's Tavern 2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
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)
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. Deal Casino
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night w/ DJ Phil
Fri. 10 p.m. Nobody's Business
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Karaoke Dance Party
Sun. 4 p.m. Cathryn Manning Duo
Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith
Diamond's of Hamilton 661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Thurs. (6:30 p.m. Crosswicks Ballroom) Boheme Opera of NJ. $95 (7 p.m.) "Ladies Night" w/ DJ Frankie "O"
Fri. 6 p.m. Tymes 2
Sat. 9 p.m. "Back In The Day" 80's Dance Party w/ DJ Anthony Bradley
Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. Ambiance The Duo
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. Pop Fiction
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) New Pony
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft and The Alternators
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (4 p.m.) Ricky & Jenny
Frans Pub 116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd
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
Gleason's Bar6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Fri. 9 p.m. Little Miss Love Jones & the Archangels
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.) Jump OFF (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) A tribute to the Talking Heads w/ Start Making Sense. Ages 21+, Doors at 6:30 p.m., $20 (Advance) (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Sharon Lia Band
Hopewell Theater 5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Check web page for upcoming events
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. John & Maggs
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Craig Leah Group
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Deb & Mike
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Jazz On Purpose
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Dick
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Great Scott Band
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Lefty Mann
Sat. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson & Carol Brooks
Sun. 2 p.m. Gregg Parker
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge
All shows 21+
Jake's Eatery 869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Bob Tomlinson
Sat. 9 p.m. Matt Sevier
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike DiAlto's "Stand Up Comedy"
Fri. 9 p.m. Essie & The Big Chill
Sat. (3 p.m.) Anthony Sacchetti (9:30 p.m.) The Fletchers
Sun.(3 p.m.) Pumpkin's Drag Show (9:30 p.m.) Human Adult Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade" (2 p.m.) Bantry Boys (6 p.m.) Successful Failures (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Wine Bottle Painting"
Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing
Sat. 1 p.m. B-Street Duo
Sun. 1 p.m. Steve Berger Duo
Legend's Pizza318 High Street Burlington
Sat. 6 p.m. Kim Yarson & Sandy Zio
Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Stephanie Chin
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ed Wall
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Dave Dales
Mama Flora's Trattoria & Catering1750 North Olden Avenue Ext. Ewing
(609) 434-1188
Sat. 6 p.m. Bryan Hill
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
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
Fri. 10 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ O_Geez
Sat. 8:30 p.m. "Hard Rock Hallelujah" feat. Uprise Shadow, Souls Of Rebellion, Suicide Conspiracy, Part Death. Ages 21+, $5
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Sat. 9 p.m. "Benefit 2" feat. Meeko Brando, Cheeky, Bodega Satellite, Shagbark, Caruso.
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
Mojito Cuba Caribe 90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(267) 740-2900
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris
New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. The English Beat. Doors at 7 p.m., $50
Nook's PourHouse 2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
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. 8 p.m. Cover Up
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
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
Fri. 8 p.m. The Receptors
Sat. 8 p.m. Spanky Garage
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.) Plush (9:30 p.m.) Split Decision (10 p.m.) DJ Capps
Sat. (4 p.m) Sensational Soul Cruisers (9:30 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (10 p.m.) DJ Eddie Tully
Sun. 4 p.m. 40 North Country
Wed. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd
Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Suspects
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8 p.m. A Pixies Tribute w/ Gigantic. $10
Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White
Salt Creek Grille 1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Party Of 3
Sun. 8 p.m. Brad Mandingo
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Tom Trovas
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. (Free Admission)
Sat. (2 p.m.) "Trumpet Summit" feat. Danny Tobias & George Rabbai. $20 (8 p.m.) "Solo & Chamber Music" w/ (TBA)
Sun. 3 p.m. Capital Opera Trenton/Princeton: "Wesendonck Lieder Abend" Feat. Kyle Walker, Katherine Dennis, Steve Kramer, Sarai Cole. $20
Tara's Tavern1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Billy Hector
Sat. 10 p.m. Thunder Moon
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 9 p.m. Kick Back
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. Anders Hyatt
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Decker
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
The Cranbury Inn21 South Main Street Cranbury
(609) 655-5595
Fri. 7:30 p.m. REJS Entertainment Presents: Nelson Rangell. Doors at 7 p.m., $40
The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 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. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 10 p.m. River Dogs
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 Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
The Record Collector 358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20 (Advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Band
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. No Way Out
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Nick and Maryanne
Fri. 8 p.m. Catch 22
Sat. 8 p.m. Monique and Bob Rotondo
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Paul Wiese
Sat. 9 p.m. Williamsboy
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Mike DQ & Steve Z
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
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. (TBA) $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Pepperwine. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Rich Scanella Group
Wildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Ginger Coyle
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
Ana Popovic
Thursday, April 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music
Click here for full description
WP Music Department Spring Show: Purcell's Dido and Aeneas & A British Musical Theatre Review
Thursday, April 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm
William Paterson University - Shea Auditorium
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
category: music
Click here for full description
The Classic Rock Show - World Tour 2024
Thursday, April 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music
Click here for full description
Click here for more events
Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.
Click here for more info.
LATEST NEWS
bergenPAC presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8:00pm. The Electrifying Band from the original Broadway smash hit! The only trademarked group from the original Broadway production recognized as Broadway's Rock of Ages Band®
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform on April 30th
New Jersey Youth Symphony to Celebrate 45th Anniversary at NJPAC
Sara David Buechner to Perform Beethoven's First Piano Concerto with the PSO
Click here for more event previews
New Jersey Stage
© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com
Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!
