By Bob Makin
originally published: 10/28/2022
Matt O’Ree will celebrate the release of “Hand in Glove,” their first studio album in seven years, on Nov. 3 at Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River. Their recent single, “Whole Lotta Nothin,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY ESTELLE MASSRY | COUCOU PHOTOGRAPHY
Wow!
Has it really been seven years since Matt O’Ree’s last studio album?!
Well, fans need not wait any longer but rather celebrate the release of “Hand in Glove” on Nov. 3 at the awesome Grunin Center of the Arts in Toms River. Two singles have preceded the LP, including “Whole Lotta Nothin,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Whole Lotta Nothin” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you also can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.
Matt has been one of the on-again, off-again touring guitarists in Bon Jovi since 2015, which is right around when MOB released their last album, "Brotherhood,” featuring special guests Bruce Springsteen, who sang and played lead guitar on the first single, "Black Boots,” as well as Blues Traveler’s John Popper and Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, both of whom contributed to the LP’s songwriting.
A Gibson-endorsed guitar great, Matt said “Whole Lotta Nothin” marks the beginning of a new journey for the band, which features his wife, Eryn, on vocals; Lorraine Holmes also on vocals, John Hummel on drums, and Lex Lehman on bass.
“It talks about the rock ‘n’ roll love story between Eryn and me, which really sets up the rest of the songs,” he said. “We took a different approach when we began the writing process for this album, and feel that this is the beginning of the story. So, crank it up!”
While “Brothers” was a star-studded affair, “Hand in Glove” is a full collaboration between each of the band members, and is finally a full-force partnership between the Jersey Shore musical power couple, who, for the increasing less unfamiliar, will appeal to fans of Warren Haynes and Grace Potter.
The LP also is represented with the more recent video, “Better as I Go,” featuring a lead vocal by Eryn.
“This is a song that I feel everyone can relate to at some point in their lives,” said Eryn, an accomplished solo artist and the youngest inductee in the New York/New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame. “It’s about accepting yourself and all your flaws as we grow older. We may have more wrinkles or not be as thin as we used to be, but all of that marks the life we have lived and makes us who we are today. Because we don’t get old, we get better."
About the album, Matt added, “We wanted to write something that completely comes from our hearts as artists, and we are very proud of the work we’ve done on this. We are extremely excited for you to hear it!”
In addition to Grunin Center, the local MOB mob can hear the album live on Dec. 30 at Hopewell Theater. Book ending those dates will more jaunts to Florida for the band.
Find out more at www.mattoreeband.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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
FEATURED EVENTS
