By Bob Makin
originally published: 10/17/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Pumpkin Man,“ the opening track of Jersey singer-songwriter Greg Amici’s new album “Tragicomic.” ARTWORK BY LISELOTTE BJORCK
“Pumpkin Man” is the opening track to “Tragiccomic,” Greg Amici’s James Mastro-produced label debut for Montclair-based Magic Door Recording.
Produced at the same-named studio, the LP’s opener is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Pumpkin Man” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 17 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin, Mixcloud and RadioJersey.net.
Musically, the song was somewhat inspired by Jefferson Airplane’s version of “Revolution” on the “Woodstock” album, Greg said.
“I wanted to build from drums to bass to guitar to get things going for a live show,” he said. “I think it’s worked in that context, so I also chose it to open the ‘Tragicomic’ album. Lyrically, it’s one of those songs that merges my past fears of commitment — currently very happy with my Judy — and my occasional tendency to write from a psychopath’s perspective.”
The song and its LP were engineered by Ray Ketchem, owner of both the Magic Door studio and label.
Best known as a member of such seminal Hoboken bands as The Bongos, Strange Cave and The Health and Happiness Show, James also played guitars and keyboards throughout “Tragicomic.” Health and Happiness band mate Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith) played bass, while Ray, whose current band is Elk City, played drums. Singing backup are Elk City front woman Renée LoBue and Joe Gentile, a former band mate of Greg’s in an outfit called Big Honey.
“The band is a work in progress,” Greg said. “I’m in the process of booking gigs for next year.”
In the meantime, enjoy “Pumpkin Man” and the whole 12-song “Tragicomic” LP on Spotify, Apple Music or Bandcamp.
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.
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