"Work hard and roll the dice."
That philosophy represents not only the creative lifestyle of Jersey City's Gregory McLoughlin, a songwriter, solo artist, gig bassist, and band frontman, but is infused in each track of his self-titled debut album, a jazzy pop-rock collection of lived-in artistry from the honest soul that was released today, December 12th.
Engaging music as a tool for connection and discussion, McLoughlin, often challenging traditional busking in concert lots, offers a single song to any stranger who will accept. From learning bass in a Bronx apartment, to songwriting for artists like Beeman & Bannon, BuzzUniverse, and Anthony Tamburro, his career is one filling every corner with home-grown courage for truth and touching others through authentic experience.
"You Set the Tone" throws a wink to the listener at the album's start. A humbly playful romance, the tune's dancing groove narrates a youthful chasing of love, following the lead and hoping for more. After biting guitars and rollicking bass lock in an instrumental break with aspiring adoration, McLoughlin puts it simply: "No matter what you'll be / Leaving me wanting more."
A dreamscape with coastal swing released December 5, 2025, "Photograph" lives its name, sonically flipping through moments of high and low times. McLoughlin's rich-toned bass kicks off the bop, just before bobbing guitars set a jive for the organ to ride. Stirring hints of nostalgia, melancholy, and feel-good timbre, he nails the rollercoaster that is memory lane.
"Businessman," inspired by David McCullough's 1968 book The Johnstown Flood, features Joe Walsh and Chuck Berry-reminiscent guitar licks melting together for a punching rock thriller. While McCullough highlights the wealthy's social power and neglect in the Pennsylvania tragedy, McLoughlin brings buzzing energy to the narrative, symbolizing an empowered people, calling for class equality, and holding elites accountable.
"We're counting on the businessman / Like he's got the only plan," the track cries, but the people mean business, too. Before red velvet curtains and a historic reel, the jam band finds its rhythmic pocket in a session-style music video with spunk and historic flair.
Its melody born in a Kauai field, "Little Janessa" slows the tempo and welcomes resplendent trumpet calls, floating over swaying snare brushes and soothed vocals. Written like a letter, three chapters of life fit between guitar strums, painting an intimate picture of encouragement and endearment.
With the same drive, McLoughlin greets the community every Monday in the beloved Thank God It's Monday virtual concert series, and in Wednesday's Brand New Day series at Hoboken's Symposia Bookstore.
Tomorrow, December 13th, 2025, will be McLoughlin's album release show with the Lemonade Band and Dark Star Orchestra at Garcia's Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, where soulful storytelling will ensure no one leaves a stranger.
Listen on Spotify
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