By Bob Makin
originally published: 08/19/2022

“Strawberry Wine,” the first single off Anthony Krizan’s forthcoming LP, is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY ESTELLE MASSRY
While singer-songwriter-guitarist-producer-engineer Anthony Krizan often is busy recording other artists at his Raritan Borough-based Sonic Boom Studios, it’s been nearly six years since he released his album, “Dust and Bone.” The impressive debut LP earned the Jersey rock journeyman the 2016 Makin Waves Male Artist of the Year Award.
Well, the wait is finally over because Anthony has released the first single from a forthcoming follow-up LP. Featuring a fusion of the ‘70s strut of The Rolling Stones with Prince’s funky pop feel, “Strawberry Wine” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Strawberry Wine” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Aug. 19 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.
“Dust & Bone” was a major success, not only gaining attention from Anthony’s own recording but also throughout the music industry. The Allman Brothers-like title track was cut by numerous other artists, including Gretchen Wilson, Pat Travers and Tim Hicks.
“I have even higher aspirations for this song,” Anthony said about “Strawberry Wine.”
Krizan’s rock roots run deep. He was lead guitarist of Spin Doctors, opening 15 dates for the Stones with audiences of 70,000, as well as for the Allman Brothers. He played guitar with Jimi Hendrix’s legendary bassist Noel Redding. Anthony also is an original member of Amphibian with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall.
He has penned rock-soul staples, such as “Stand By My Woman” with Lenny Kravitz; five songs on Spin Doctors’ “Greatest Hits”; the theme of the “Spin City” TV series, and The Howard Stern Show “Miss America” theme. Recently, Anthony co-wrote the title track to British rocker John Waite’s new EP, “Anything,” and produced three tracks on the release. He also co-wrote the title track to John’s “Mercury” track “When You Were Mine.” Anthony also is the 2013 recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Jay Gorny Award for the song he co-wrote with Cheryl Daveiga, “Home Don’t Feel Like Home.”
Anthony Krizan Band — drummer John Hummel, bassist Muddy Shews, percussion Freddy Macarone, trombonist-horn arranger Bejamin Clapp, trumpeter Tony Perrusso, saxophonist Chris Fitz, and keyboardists Rob Clores and Billy Siegel — will celebrate the release of “Strawberry Wine” on Aug. 19 at Langosta Lounge with their frequent special guest Sandy Mack on harmonica. Then the band will head south for dates in Alabama and Mississippi.
For more info about Anthony, visit anthonykrizan.com and https://musicraft.ffm.to/y9myjo2.
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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