Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/14/2024
In the words of New Jersey-based Americana songwriter Eric Harrison, "You can neither take the New Jersey out of me nor take me out of New Jersey. I'm a proud lifer."
Fresh on the heels of last year’s critically acclaimed album “No Defenses” and the spirited musical defense of a fellow Garden State songwriter charged with DUI, Harrison and producer Kevin Salem began recording new material last fall with the goal of releasing another album in early 2025. Along the way it occurred to the singer that a couple of the new tracks stood out as “very New Jersey – literal, unapologetic, generally not giving a f#%^ what you think of them. These songs deserved their own home alongside some prior tracks with a similar attitude.”
Thus was born “(That’s What I) Ode to the Dirty Jerz,” a six- song EP featuring the new singles Sal’s Place and Diner, followed by four tracks from prior albums.
Harrison brags. “Nobody has ever released a bunch of songs about growing up in New Jersey ... right?!”
Historical cluelessness notwithstanding, the songs on this EP are undebatably Jersey-coded. Diners, bars and cars abound. The waitress in Breakfast has “frosted hair that never ends” ... The morning commuter in Friendly Town travels the Garden State Parkway steeped in “razor burn and gasoline/Howard Stern and nicotine.”
Sal’s Place celebrates a home for wayward New Jersey rock and rollers where everybody knows your name – “If you got a cowbell or a mandolin/Step inside, we’re gonna let you in.”
88 Jeep captures an eternal summer drive with “the wind in my hair and the heat on my feet/Now we got the top down/ Now we’re feeling complete.”
1986, a nostalgic tune about “growing up Jersey” in the 80s, celebrates a less impressive but biographically vital vehicle: In 1986 I knew more than I thought / I drove a grey Dodge Colt with a Kenwood deck My poetry was overwrought. . . . Looking for a hook or a ploy / I was an upper-middle-class white boy / Chasing credibility / In a game yet unexplained to me / Knowing that one day I’m gonna miss these days
The EP begins and ends within the proud confines of that endangered species long considered indigenous to the Garden State: a 24-hour diner.
“Step to me at 3 AM, slap a menu on my table,” the lovelorn singer beckons to his waitress in Diner, where, he concludes five tracks later in Breakfast, “we’re squared away now – nothing left to say/Though I forgive with all the love I save.”
She must have burned the toast!
“(That’s What I) Ode to the Dirty Jerz” was released in November 2024. You can check out the album on SoundCloud, Bandcamp or at Harrison’s website.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(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."
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts with Joe Iconis
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts w/ Joe Iconis, a concert series offering audiences an up-close and personal experience with one of musical theater's most celebrated songwriters. The series takes place July 23-25, 2026 in the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library at Two River Theater.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
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