New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "We Can't Play Like Django" by Alex Radus feat. Pyrenesia

By Bob Makin

originally published: 03/04/2022

Alex Radus’ latest single, “We Can’t Play Like Django,” featuring Pyrenesia is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY BRIAN MCCLOSKEY / DESIGN BY DAVE CAHILL

With and without the excellent gypsy jazz unit Pyrenesia, guitarist-singer-songwriter Alex Radus has been makin waves for a while now. His latest single, “We Can’t Play Like Django,” brings him together with Pyrenesia once again.

Their salute to one of their greatest influences, gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt, is Makin Waves Song of the Week. 

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, "We Can’t Play Like Django" also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 4 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. 

“Django” is the lead single for Alex’s forthcoming LP, “Tributaries–Recorded Live at Godfrey Daniels,” out April 7.  The live fan favorite that often closes shows is a lighthearted celebration of Reinhardt that invokes the spirit of his “Minor Swing” and features infectious hot club rhythms and improvisations by Pyrenesia. A la pompe rhythm drives a compelling fan account of Reinhardt’s life and influence. 




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



“And, of course, the song celebrates the lament of Django-inspired guitarists everywhere — we can’t play like him!” Alex said. 

Alex Radus Trio will mark the release of “Tributaries” with an April 7 debut performance at Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University with Pyrenesia as special guest. The $20 tickets are available here.

For more about Alex, click https://www.alexradus.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.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Choir! Choir! Choir! Hallelujah”: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ


Always Jovi with special guest, Shot of Poison

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Margarita Rovenskaya, piano

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Bösendorfer Recital Room
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


The Chris Pinnella Big Band Project

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Shemekia Copeland with special guest JB Barnes Blues Band

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info