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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Heads and Hearts" by Dave Vargo

By Bob Makin

originally published: 05/06/2022


After two impressive singles that nabbed him the 2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year Award, Dave Vargo’s third album, “Crooked Miles,” is out, and it’s his best yet.

If you’re a fan of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne, you’ll love the 12-song collection’s third track, “Heads and Hearts.” The Makin Waves Song of the Week respectively and dichotomously combines the grit, yet sensitivity of both of my boyhood heroes. 

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Heads and Hearts” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 6 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com.



“We started the recording sessions for my album back in November of 2020 shooting to have everything done by April/May of 2021,” Dave said. “After many delays, many of them pandemic-related, we are finally ready. It feels really good to finally get this music out there. I hope that you like it!”

The quasi title track for “Crooked Miles,” the album’s second single, “Fault Lines,” features the lyric: “Crooked miles and exit signs. Still so far to do.”




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That October release was preceded by a summer 2021 single for the pandemic anthem “Half Bad.”

Early reviews agree that “Crooked Miles” is Dave’s best work yet following his 2016 debut LP, “Burning Through,” and its 2019 follow-up, “Spaces in Between.” 

Hear the album live May 6, Tulip Tree Cafe, Freehold; May 7, Creative Arts Festival, Thompson Park, Lincroft; May 14, Belmar Porchfest, and May 28, Palmer Square, Princeton. Dave’s weekly “2forTuesday” livestream at 7:30 p.m. on Facebook still is going strong with guests Frank Patrouch, May 10; Zeke Carey, May 17; Sarah Faith, May 24, and Gorgo Beach, May 31. For more about Dave, visit www.davevargomusic.com.

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.




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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.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Jeffrey Gaines

Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Hindley Street Country Club

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


Deadgrass

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Stone Flower - ​Santana Tribute Band

Saturday, August 01, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ



 

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