The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Pine Trees and Wildflowers" by Stella Mrowicki


By Bob Makin

originally published: 05/21/2020

Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Pine Trees and Wildflowers" by Stella MrowickiLess than two weeks before graduating from Rowan University with a degree in music technology, Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Stella Mrowicki self-released her EP, “Pine Trees and Wildflowers,” a follow-up to last year’s self-titled debut.   

Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Stella Mrowicki returns with “Pine Trees and Wildflowers,” a wonderfully rootsy five-song follow-up to last year’s self-titled debut LP. Like its predecessor, the gospel-folk EP was written, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered and nearly entirely performed by Stella. With the exception of violin parts on two tracks by New York-based Richard Barbera, Stella performs a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, bass, banjo, organ and percussion. 

While that’s impressive, the best part of “Pine Trees and Wildflowers” remains brilliant songwriting, which is why Stella was the 2019 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year. Parts Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Stella continues to defy her young age of 21 with words of wisdom and stunningly beautiful arrangements.

My two favorite songs on the EP both are gospel-inflected: the sunny, piano-driven, banjo ‘n’ fiddle-flavored opening single, “Without Me,” and “High St.,” which sounds like Emmylou Harris singing at New Orleans jazz funeral. It made my soul soar to write that just now about such a young artist. But then, Stella was raised on great music by the legendary Lee Mrowicki, producer-host of “Radio Jersey,” which kindly presents the weekly Makin Waves Report and airs the Makin Waves Song of the Week thrice weekly on ThePenguinRocks.com, New Jersey Stage’s online radio station.  

I’ve been working with Lee for 40 years within the local music scene. To hear his immensely gifted daughter make such exceptional music is a thrill that brings things full circle from the days when he helped me get my start as a young music writer covering the Stone Pony, where he was manager and DJ. 



 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



Anyway, “Pine Trees and Wildflowers” also features:

The EP was released less than two weeks before the talented lass graduated from Rowan University with a degree in music technology, an opportunity that obviously greatly influenced the production of her two records. While the LP had a Liz Phair-like lo-fi quality, “Pine Trees and Wildflowers,” a title likely inspired by the scenic South Jersey landscape Stella would traverse to school from her Ocean County home, the EP’s production is much grander and more focused. Yet, Stella surrounds her roots music with a raw sensibility rather than the polish her skills obviously could have provided, and wisely didn’t. 

I expect big things from this artist, as do several other music writers who also have honored her with accolades. Her star will continue to rise once it’s safe to tour and make quality videos again. In the meantime, I hope you check Stella out. If you’re feeling stressed or depressed during the pandemic, her music will serve as an intelligent and soulful catharsis.  

And be sure to check out the Makin Waves Interview with Stella next month here, in New Jersey Stage Magazine, and at theaquarian.com. 

 

Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Pine Trees and Wildflowers" by Stella Mrowicki

 



 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



Bob Makin is a reporter for MyCentralJersey.com and the former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him via email and like Makin Waves on Facebook.



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.

 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Honeydew" by Via Crowe

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Honeydew" by Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Via Crowe.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/10/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 8-14, 2025




The Newton Theatre presents Dirty Deeds - The AC/DC Experience






 

MORE NEWS

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Hanson on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 7:00pm. Over their first 28 years as the band Hanson, brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have made a significant mark in music.


A Brother's Revival: Celebrating the Legendary Sound of the Allman Brothers Band Live at Drew University




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House




A Chat with Jasper Smith of Straight No Chaser Which Brings its "Summer: The '90s Part 2" Tour to STNJ on July 16




Centenary Stage Company presents Yacht Rock Gold Experience






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Sounds of a Summer Night: Music, Nature, and Community in Concert at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum and celebrate summer with their 2025 concert series, Sounds of a Summer Night! All performances will be held on select Wednesday evenings on the grounds of this non-profit public garden located in Summit.


2025 Horizon Sounds of the City at NJPAC




South Orange Summer Nights to Offer Free Concerts Every Wednesday Night In July




Middlesex County's Free Concert Series Returns for 2025






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates