New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Rolling Away" by Jake Thistle

By Bob Makin

originally published: 08/23/2024

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Rolling Away” from Asbury Park singer-songwriter Jake Thistle’s new “Live From The Transparent Clinch Gallery” album. Also pictured at right is the LP’s producer-guitarist Gordon Brown of Williams Honor acclaim.  PHOTO BY JOEY “JO3YDONUTZ” CARIDE

Based on personal experience, no good deed goes unpunished. Yet, Asbury Park singer-songwriter Jake Thistle proves that theory completely wrong.

Helping to raise more than $100,000 for a variety of local charities, the 20-year-old Jackson Browne-inspired boardwalk bard is makin some serious waves.

On the eve of a Northeast mini tour with UK counterpart St. Lundi, Jake released his third album, “Live from the Transparent Clinch Gallery,” then immediately followed that tour with 90.5 the Night’s Songwriters on the Beach alongside Texas songwriter Rhett Miller.

Jake is just rolling away with opportunity and accomplishment, so the Makin Waves Song of the Week fittingly is “Rolling Away” from the “Transparent” live outing.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Rolling Away” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Aug. 23, on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

The live album was produced by longtime Asbury scenester Gordon Brown, who also serves as Jake’s David Lindley with some really sweet slide and steel playing.

Like its studio predecessor, “The Half Left Out,” “Live from Transparent” was released by Gold’N Retriever Records, the indie of veteran major label exec Joe Riccitelli. The live LP features all seven tracks from “The Half Left Out,”    including “Rolling Away”; “Lines on the Road” from his 2021 debut “Down the Line”; four unreleased tracks — “Better that Way (The Loser),” “I Fly Low,” “Half Beats Nothing,” and “Silver Bullet Sky” — and a cover of Don Henley’s “Heart of the Matter” featuring Gordon’s Williams Honor band mate Reagan Richards.

“Playing live is such a major part of my life, so getting to share a bit of that experience on this record is incredibly important to me, especially at such a legendary and unique place as The Transparent Clinch Gallery,” Jake said. “I'm thrilled to take these songs with me on the road!"

See Jake live Aug. 28 at Light of Day Songwriters Circle at Parker Press Park in Woodbridge with James Maddock, Miss Emily, Danielia Cotton, and Joe D’Urso; Sept. 1, Woodbridge High School Concert Field with his Jackson Browne tribute band Late for the Sky; Sept. 21, Mitchell Farm Music Festival, Salem, CT, with Late for the Sky; Sept. 29, Cliffwood Garden, Metuchen; Oct. 4, Avenel Performing Arts Center, in a tribute to John Prine with Joe D’Urso & Friends; Oct. 10 to 12 at Tom Petty Weekend at Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville, FL; Nov. 16, Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove, with Brian Dunne; Dec. 7, Ringside, Caldwell, and Dec. 8, Luka’s, Bogota, with Jon Herrington, Tony Garnier, Anton Fig, Jonny Rosch, Mark Whitfield, and Leslie Mendelson.

For more about Jake, visit https://jakethistle.com.

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




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



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

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

 

FEATURED EVENTS



Free Summer Event: Wilma

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
Morristown, NJ


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


IMAGINE LENNON LIVE

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ