Greg Amici - Tragicomic
New Jersey artist Greg Amici presents his new album 'Tragicomic', a storied set of 12 songs released by Montclair-based indie imprint Magic Door Record Label. On the trail of the classic rock stinger 'No Fool' and initial single 'I'll Be Back', this record offers a blend of absurdist-rock, ska, Americana, folk-punk and straight-up classic rock, with a clear-eyed view of the world through Amici’s unique lens. Greg's lyrics often offer an unexpected turn of phrase, delivered with full-throated rock power.
With roots firmly planted in Jersey, his creative journey has taken him from the heart of Manhattan to Los Angeles and back again. In the late '90s, Greg formed Big Honey, a NYC-based band whose rise peaked with an appearance at the CMJ Music Festival but paused indefinitely when a vocal polyp sidelined Greg for years. Despite this setback, he didn't let his distinctive voice and songwriting abilities go to waste, returning to the studio after a 16-year hiatus.
Reuniting with producer James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter) and engineer / drummer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Studio in Montclair, the creative process inevitably led to an array of upbeat satires ('Cynthia, Come to Me', 'No Fool') and ominous ballads ('Junky Eyes', 'In Like a Lion'). The resultant 'Tragicomic' album was mastered by award-winning engineer Greg Calbi (John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty).
"When we first started recording back in 2019, I told Jim Mastro I had a vibe for Patti Smith’s 'Waves' album. Ironically, Tony Shanahan wound up playing on most of the cuts. That said, I kind of just trusted Jim’s instincts in whatever direction he took them. For the more comic songs, like 'Cynthia, Come to Me' and 'Tom Seaver', I wanted a carnivalesque sound, and Jim got that on keyboards and guitar synths," says Greg Amici.
The 'Tragicomic' album also involved former Amici bandmates Joe Gentile (Big Honey) and Tommy Aboussleman (Electric TNT), along with special guests Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Band) and Renee LoBue (Elk City) contributing to the recording. Whether it’s a "serial killer romance" or a biting satire, Greg Amici proves that a Jersey count knows how to count on rock ‘n’ roll.
Calling himself a "count in name only", tracing his aristocratic lineage through Italian family names such as Benedetti, Stalute and Scala, Greg found his calling as a musician in high school, inspired by local bands. Picking up the guitar in his late teens, he founded his first band, The Clergy, and later teamed up with a musical partner to form the '80s alt-rock band Junk.
As of June 13, the 'Tragicomic' album is available from fine online music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The double-gatefold limited-edition vinyl LP Includes lyrics and liner notes. The CD comes with a CD wallet and includes a 16-page booklet with lyrics and liner notes.
Amici also has another album on the horizon later this year, chronicling decades of songwriting with characters ranging from teenagers to 30-somethings. He will be supporting this album with a series of live performances, to be announced soon.
