By Bob Makin
originally published: 05/29/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Bike in the Ocean,“ a single from “Day/Night,” the new album by Kevin Hill & Secret Sound. PHOTO BY KATIE ELASMAR
There’s a party going on tonight at Asbury Lanes to celebrate “Day/Night,” the long-awaited follow-up to Kevin Hill & Secret Sound’s 2018 self-titled debut EP.
The new LP’s single, “Bike in the Ocean,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Bike in the Ocean“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 29 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.
“Day/Night” is a genre-hopping, mood-swinging ride that proves that Kevin Hill & Secret Sound don’t believe in musical boxes — only breaking them.
Secret Sound are bassist Dave Ferraro, harmonica player James Dalton, percussionist Stevo Nelson, drummer Joe McGuth and keyboardist Gabe Sanderson.
Kevin not only plays guitar and sings on all the tracks, he also mixed and mastered them.
“‘Day/Night’ is about progression — from the roots to outer space, from pain to healing,” Kevin said. “It encompasses thoughtful folk, blues and reggae (Day) and beat heavy electronic jams (Night).”
A staple of the Asbury Park music scene, Kevin Hill & Secret Sound have performed at The Stone Pony more than 70 times and show no signs of slowing down. The album release show comes on the heels of a seven-night tour of Ireland, a twice yearly adventure where Kevin explores his cultural roots.
A student of Ted Dunbar, whose musical proteges include Trey Anastasio and Vernon Reid, Kevin is considered by many to be the hardest-working musician at the Jersey Shore. “Day/Night" captures that same relentless energy, weaving together styles and influences into something that feels both familiar and unpredictable, like your favorite local bar suddenly hosting a world-class jam session.
Kevin and his musical family do exactly that every Monday at the Pig and Parrot in Brielle. For four years, their open jam has elevated itself to the most exciting night of the week for many Jersey Shore music lovers.
Sharing the bill at Asbury Lanes will be From the Ground and Sweet Lou & the River Rats, delivering a night built for funk junkies, guitar enthusiasts and die-hard jam lovers alike.
Kevin Hill & Secret Sound also will play June 5, Hemingway's, Seaside Heights; June 6, In and Out of the Garden We Go Fest, Snipes Farm, Morrisville, PA; June 13, Haight Asbury Fest, Elks Lodge, Neptune, with Cosmic Jerry Band, Sandy Mack & Friends, and Steel Jack Hammer; July 4, Mutiny Beach, Convention Hall, Asbury Park; July 11, Ocean County Artists Guild, Island Heights, with Hump Day Trio; Aug. 22, David Bowie Tribute, Gem Music Hall, Silver Spring, PA.
Kevin also teaches a Grateful Dead Guitar Workshop at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Neptune. email [email protected] for details about the next one. On June 13th he will teach a guitar class that is an Allman Brothers Band workshop.
And check out “Bike in the Ocean” 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].
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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