Tune In, Turn On
It’s a particular joy to write about local musicians who have found success outside of the Jersey Shore area and who return to live and perform here again.
One such musician is pianist-vocalist Joe McGinty, former keyboard player for The Psychedelic Furs, an English post-punk/new wave group that achieved considerable success in the ’80s with singles such as “Love My Way” and “Pretty in Pink,” among others.
“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere,” the lyrics from the famous Frank Sinatra song, “New York, New York,” come to mind when thinking of McGinty.
“In New York, I own a piano bar, Sid Gold’s Request Room, where pianists provide live accompaniment for anyone that wants to get on the mic to sing,” McGinty told Tune in Turn On in a recent interview.
“As I’m spending more and more time in Ventnor, I’ve been looking for possible gigs down here, and musicians to work with,” added McGinty, who’s also a composer, producer and self-described “piano maven.” “While checking out local music at the Anchor Rock Club, I became a fan of (local indie rock band) Molly Ringworm and their singer, Sarah Holt. We were introduced by Greg Mangan at the Anchor, and shortly after I suggested working together. Since then, we’ve played last year’s C.R.O.P.S. benefit, and we’ve recorded a Christmas song which will be released next year.”
McGinty and the aforementioned Holt have been creating a buzz locally at Angeloni’s Club Madrid in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City with what has become a monthly residency there (next show: Monday, Dec. 8; always free).
“I was looking for a place to do a Sid Gold’s ‘pop-up’ piano bar, and Angeloni’s Club Madrid has the perfect retro vibe. Sarah and I do a short set to warm up the crowd, then I accompany anyone that wants to sing one of the thousands of songs on my song list. Sarah and I do a short set of alternative and classic holiday songs (including a preview of our Christmas song). It’s a monthly series. The next one (after Dec. 8) will be Jan. 19.”
When you blend Holt’s vocals with McGinty’s deft piano playing, the result is an enjoyable musical cocktail, with Club Madrid’s dark, nightclub-like atmosphere making the ideal setting.
McGinty and Holt will perform a new Christmas single, “Meet Me at the Mistletoe.” It’s a preview of what McGinty will release next year:
“A disco Christmas album, 10 songs, each with a different singer, including members of the Bangles, Cowsills and Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris and Sarah!”
The album could not be released this year in time for proper distribution, said McGinty.
When in NYC, make sure to check out McGinty’s highly regarded Loser’s Lounge shows. According to press materials, “Joe McGinty & The Loser’s Lounge, founded in 1993, is a collective of New York City’s finest performers who have been selling out live shows every other month for 30 years. A Loser’s Lounge performance often includes strings, horns, extensive vocal arrangements and a backing band made up of the best musicians in New York.
“Along with a parade of up-and-coming singers, some past celebrity guest performers have included Richard Dreyfuss, Moby, Parker Posey, Debbie Harry, Lee Hazlewood, Paul Williams, Cyndi Lauper, John Cameron Mitchell, Fred Schneider, Joey Ramone, John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants, Ronnie Spector, Anne Magnuson, Michael Cerveris, Joan Jett, Ian Hunter, Fred Armisen, Antony, Santigold and many more.”
P.S. Happy birthday (Dec. 4) to the love of my life, Sue Goldstein.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
