New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Pumpkin Man" by Greg Amici


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 PenguinMixcloud and RadioJersey.net.

Musically, the song was somewhat inspired by Jefferson Airplane’s version of “Revolution” on the “Woodstock” album, Greg said.




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



“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 SpotifyApple Music or Bandcamp.

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



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




FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | COMMUNITY | DANCE | FILM | KIDS | MUSIC | THEATRE

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Steve

Steve Earle Solo Acoustic Fifty Years of Songs and Stories (Laura Cantrell to open)

Saturday, November 08, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
category: music


 

So

So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary

Saturday, November 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music


 

The

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - "La Bohème"

Saturday, November 08, 2025 @ 1:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Raulin

Raulin Rodriguez

Saturday, November 08, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: music


 

James

James Maddock and Band (with special guest Jackson Pines)

Saturday, November 08, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Jersey Shore Arts Center
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
category: music


 

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.