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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Dirty Jersey" by Ryan Gregg

By Bob Makin

originally published: 06/28/2024

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Dirty Jersey,” singer-songwriter-keyboardist Ryan Gregg’s latest single from his forthcoming solo debut EP, “Hustling in Place.” ARTWORK BY FILIPE BERGSON

A Jersey Shore native from Matawan, singer-songwriter-keyboardist Ryan Gregg has made his longtime musical home of Asbury Park into his physical home, like so many musicians who gravitate to the internationally recognized music scene.

His latest single, “Dirty Jersey,” is his “love letter” to Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore, as well as the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Dirty Jersey” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 28 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

“I came up with chorus one night on my way home from New York City,” Ryan said. “Was crossing over the Driscoll Bridge, and it felt like I was home.”




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“Even though I grew up near Asbury, I didn’t play my first note in town until I was 25, but was immediately embraced by the community,” he continued. “I planted roots and now have lifelong friends that will be with me no matter where life takes me next. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I’ve had to find myself and my tribe. Those of us who have been around know how lucky we are, surrounded by so many incredible people in our music community.”

“Dirty Jersey” is the fifth single from a six-song EP,  “Hustling in Place,” expected from Ryan by summer’s end.

In addition to the title track, the other singles are “Kissing Rings,” Broken,” and “The Devil Loved Again.” All of the singles feature videos shot by Derril Sellers (Lowlight, Last Legs) at his Cako Studios in Eastern Pa. An instrumental, “Morning Meditation,” will round out the EP, which was co-produced with Ryan by Arlan Feiles and mixed and mastered by Steve Jankowski.

You can hear Ryan live when he plays July 8 at The R Bar in Asbury Park. The weekly gig with Ocean Avenue Stompers follows a jaunt this weekend in Asheville and Nashville playing with Brother & Sister, the Allman Brothers Band tribute led by Vaylor & Melody Trucks, son & daughter of late ABB drummer, Butch Trucks.

For more about Ryan, visit https://www.ryangreggmusic.com.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 




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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

(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.
 

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BEAT: Belew/Vai/Levin/Bozzio performing the music of King Crimson

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John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ