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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "I Will Walk You Home” by Wiser Time

By Bob Makin

originally published: 06/19/2026

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “I Will Walk You Home,” the closing track on “There’s a Change A-Comin’,” the latest album from Central Jersey singer-songwriter-guitarist  Wiser Time, aka Carmen Sclafani. PHOTO BY SANDRA MAXIM

Wiser Time, aka Central Jersey singer-songwriter-guitarist Carmen Sclafani, just dropped his latest album, "There’s A Change A-Comin'," on his own Wiser Time Music.

The closing focus track, "I Will Walk You Home," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “I Will Walk You Home“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 19 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The PenguinMixcloud and RadioJersey.

“‘I Will Walk You Home’” was the last song that I wrote on the record,” Carmen said. “This album at its core is really about morality and values, and I wanted to end it with a loving and spiritual tone.”




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In a stark contrast from last year's rock ‘n’ roll anthem, "All Fired Up," "There's A Change A Comin'” is a modern American folk album produced by Carmen Sclafani as a powerful artistic statement that bears witness to the tumultuous times in which we are living.

Originally recorded live with an acoustic guitar in a cabin in the wintery hills of New Jersey in January 2025, the album’s nine songs harken back to a day when troubadours of old first laid the foundation of the working man's tale as true American story, yet in a language and sound that is unmistakably Wiser Time.

Recorded at drummer-percussionist Steve Decker's home in Hunterdon County, as well as Atomic Sound Studio and Sonoma Beach Studio, both Brooklyn, "There's A Change A Comin’” also features Rob Clores (Jesse Malin, The Black Crowes) on accordion, Hammond B3 and piano, Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes) on bass, Jersey Shore legend James Dalton Jr. on harmonica, and Gary Oleyar (Kenny Loggins, Jim Messina) on fiddle and viola.

The album was mixed by Carmen at his home studio also in Hunterdon County with Ernie Fortunato and mastered at Joe Lambert Mastering in Cortlandt Manor, NY.

Carmen will be promoting the album and lining up performances throughout the year.  In the meantime, enjoy "There's A Change A-Comin’ 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].




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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.


EVENT PREVIEWS

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(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
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(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Hanging Coats and Lawns, part of New Brunswick's basement music scene, take the stage for an audio-visual performance on October 2 , 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Rutgers student is injecting some sonic youth from the New Brunswick music scene into this year's New Jersey Fall Film Festival.
CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour

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Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

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(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

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(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



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Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Decade - A Neil Young Tribute

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ