One of our favorite bands is the Smithereens. Which makes Dennis Diken one of our favorite drummers.
After more than three decades with the Carteret-based power pop group, Dennis has released his first solo CD, Late Music. Why did it take so long?
Ask him yourself–and listen to a live performance with his backing band, Bell Sound–in Morris Township at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 8 pm.
It’s part of the museum’s exhibition Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the Garden State, which features the Smithereens prominently.
The Morris Museum has this to say about Dennis and his musical chops:
Ken Tucker of NPR: “The album features some awfully pretty music that echoes the past while sounding new and fresh and vibrant…it’s as though he’s writing impeccable sonnets with his drums and his singing.” Powerpopaholic described Late Music as “…a love letter to the golden age of rock.” Bell Sound includes fellow New Jerseyans Dave Amels (keyboards), Chris Bolger (guitar), Steve Gaechter (keyboards),Michael Jodry (guitar), and Peter Kohman (bass). All songs on the album were written by Diken and Pete DiBella, also from the Garden State.
In addition to playing for 31 years with New Jersey band The Smithereens, Diken has drummed on gigs or sessions with Nancy Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Joan Jett, Ronnie Spector, Brian Wilson, Darlene Love, Mary Weiss and Ben E. King. Diken wrote liner notes, essays and created CD compilations for albums by The Four Seasons, Lovin’ Spoonful, Louis Prima, The Beach Boys, The Four Freshmen, and Joe Meek. He has had articles published in USA Today and EQ Magazine and has contributed to The Billboard Encyclopedia of Record Producers.
Tickets for Dennis’ show are $25 ($20 for museum members). For more information, call the box office at 973-971-3706.
VIDEO SAMPLE OF DENIS DIKEN’S LATE MUSIC
GO SEE MY NEIGHBOR!
Napoleon Nikolai Zivkovic
Passaic County Cultural Historian