Colossal Street Jam will turn fans onto their forthcoming album, “No Way to Live,” on Oct. 26 with a special laser light show designed and synced to the LP by Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College in Toms River. The latest single, “Hey,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY CONNI FREESTONE
The perseverance and persistence of Colossal Street Jam and their many fans are inspiring.
Several physical, personal, and professional setbacks have delayed the release of the band’s album, “No Way to Live,” as well as a European tour in support of it. But at least now finally those patient fans will get to hear the LP even if they still can’t buy it yet.
On Oct. 26, Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College in Toms River will present a special laser light show that they designed and synced to the album. But first, Makin Waves presents the latest single, “Hey,” as the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Hey” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you also can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.
“After three years of delays, including two winning bouts against cancer and one long pandemic layoff, we are proud to announce that the new Colossal Street Jam release ‘No Way To Live’ is ready,” the band recently announced on social media. “We are beyond excited for everyone to hear it, and we have a special two-show night planned for a listening party. This album is our most diverse yet, and we needed a creative way to share it with you.”
The one-hour listening parties at 7 and 8:30 p.m. are limited to 100 seats each. Tickets are $20, which will include a voucher for the CD when it is released in January or a discount on the limited-edition vinyl.
“This release is very personal to all five of us as the songs were truly a family effort, all of us adding our own direction and ideas,” the band also said. “The new songs touch on our personal and health issues, and everything that has gone on in the world for quite some time. This show will be very exciting and emotional.”
Part of the proceeds will go back to the planetarium, and the rest will help Colossal promote the album.
Tickets are available for purchase online.
“Hey” follows the “No Way to Live” title track, the album’s previous single.
Another highlight of the LP is an energetic track entitled “Dancing in Place” with Jersey guitar great Anthony Krizan who subbed for co-founding Colossal guitarist Sal Marra while he successfully battled cancer. The dynamic Des Spinks, funky, soulful front woman of the Swagmatics, also contributes greatly to the LP featuring Colossal vocalist Gene Potts, bassist Tony Flora, drummer Dave Halpern, and keyboardist Eric Safka. Tony’s son Anthony also contributed drums on two tracks.
Engineered, produced and mixed by Tony Lewis at HiVoltage Music/Ear Jack Records, “No Way to Live” features horns for the first time on a Colossal LP courtesy of Mad Men Horns arranged by Roland Smeets and Greg Torunski and recorded at Hometown Studios, Grevenbicht, Netherlands. The diversity of the album also includes a violin solo and a string arrangement on two tracks by Lorenza Ponce, a recording artist and studio musician who has worked with Sheryl Crow, The Dixie Chicks, Kitaro, Ben Folds Five, Hall & Oates, and Bon Jovi.
The album also features a live reprise of the Colossal cover of Sugarloaf’s 1970 classic “Green Eyed Lady,” which was recorded by Brett Smith at The Stone Pony when the band opened for Stone Temple Pilots in 2019.
A larger number of fans also will get to hear a good chunk of the album live when Colossal opens for Lez Zeppelin, an all-female tribute to Led Zeppelin, on Nov. 18 at The Vogel in the band’s hometown of Red Bank.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com.
