Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Tom Seaver" by Greg Amici

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Tom Seaver" from Central Jersey-based singer-songwriter Greg Amici's solo debut album, "Tragicomic." ILLUSTRATION BY LISELOTTE BJORCK

After a long hiatus from playing in local bands, Central Jersey singer-songwriter Greg Amici released his solo debut LP, “Tragicomic,” last year.

But like baseball, we had to wait until Spring for him to play out. Speaking of baseball, his latest single, “Tom Seaver,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Tom Seaver” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 27 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.

“I wrote the song after Seaver retired in 1987,” Greg said. “I wanted to write it as a tribute, because I romanticized 1969 and the Miracle Mets and all that. But it’s really more about his kids who live vicariously through their sports and movie heroes and spend too little time living themselves. Back then, it was TV. Now it’s computer games or whatever. From that aspect, I think the song is timeless after Seaver’s passing a few months back. If you’re going to seek our childhood heroes, try to find ones with class. That was a lot easier then than now, and Tom Seaver was the epitome of class.”

The track was produced by James Mastro, the bongo Mahua, Patti Smith Jayhawks at Magic door recording in Montclair. James also plays guitar and keyboards throughout the album. Joining Greg and James are Tommy Aboussleman on guitar, Tony Shanahan on bass, Renée LoBue and Joe Gentile and Ray Ketchem on drums. Ray owns the Magic Door studio and label that Greg’s album possible.

Greg will perform live April 11 at Transparent Clinch Gallery in Asbury Park opening for Philly singer-songwriter Chris Kasper. More shows will be announced soon.

In the meantime, check out “Tom Seaver” on Apple Music and Spotify.

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