Tom Waits for no one
Eddie Skuller revisits "the Prince of Melancholy"
After releasing several striking reggae singles, Jersey City’s Eddie Skuller is turning his attention to the music of Tom Waits.
These days, Skuller might be best known as the dad (and onetime manager) of Jack Skuller, who spent his teenage years as a rockabilly prodigy and now, as an adult, tours in The Everly Set, performing the music of the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkle with partner Sean Altman.
But long before Jack was a twinkle in Eddie’s eye, the elder Skuller was fronting the band Moot as part of the Eighties Hoboken scene, eventually setting music aside to pursue a career and family. Singing has always remained part of his life, though; he’s long been a member of Manhattan’s prestigious Losers Lounge ensemble, which regularly mounts tribute concerts to classic artists. Taking on the music of Tom Waits wasn’t much of a stretch.
Skuller has recorded five of Waits’ songs with Loser’s Lounge compatriots Joe McGinty on piano and Jeremy Chatzky on bass, and the trio have mounted a show called “The Ballads of Tom Waits” which they’ll perform around the area. Their May 10 appearance at 503 Social Club sold out quickly, but tickets are still available for Sid Gold’s Request Room in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 13. (He’ll return in the fall at Roslyn’s My Father’s Place on October 18.)
Here’s what Eddie had to say about this new turn in his career.
Q: What drew you to Tom Waits? He sings like he is dying of throat cancer and you have a beautiful mellifluous voice, so he doesn’t seem an obvious choice.
In this tribute “Ballads of Tom Waits,” I’m celebrating the songwriting and not attempting an imitation of the artist. Too often, the focus is on Mr. Waits’ gravelly voice and Beat poet performance style. But he’s written a vast amount of incredible songs with strong storytelling and a bit of dry humor. The melodies and the emotional weight of the lyrics are well suited to my voice and it feels organic to sing them. I once performed with a jazz trio some years back and we included Waits' “That Feel” and it was a compelling song for me to sing.
Q: How did you choose the five songs you recorded? It's not like Tom Waits had "hits" per se but these aren't among his most familiar songs.
This first sampling of songs I recorded needed to show the span of material that I’ll cover in the show with tracks from his debut album to the last one he put out. The tune “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You” from his debut album is actually his most popular song online with over 80 million streams.
I think fans of Mr. Waits will certainly know the songs I’m singing. It is my hope that I may inspire people to explore his records with some of the tunes they might not be familiar with and they can also revisit their favorites. In the live show we do cover the hits made famous by other artists like “Ol’ 55” ( a hit for The Eagles), “Downtown Train” (covered by Rod Stewart) and “Jersey Girl” (a Bruce Springsteen favorite).
The five tracks we recorded are on my website and one, “Chocolate Jesus” will be on all streaming platforms this week, starting May 7.
Q: Who will be accompanying you? I understand youv'e recruited a few friends from the Loser's Lounge.
Yes! I’m thrilled to have two gifted musicians with me to launch this tribute show. Joe McGinty on piano/keys and Jeremy Chatzky on upright bass. Not only are they masters of their instruments but they are good people and I very much enjoy playing with them. I’ve been a guest singer with the Losers Lounge for over twenty years so we’ve known each other quite a while.
Q: After the Waits shows, what's next on your agenda?
Our upcoming appearance at James Mastro’s venue, the 503 Social Club is the debut of this tribute show. Anyone lucky enough to get tickets to this sold out event will witness the launch of a work in progress. I’m excited to see it evolve as we try different songs from his vast catalog. And of course... eventually add in choreography and a gospel choir!
We are already booking dates for fall and I’m looking into 2026. I’m also looking forward to recording another batch of Mr. Waits songs.
CLUB CALENDAR
Chris Stamey might be a born ‘n’ bred North Carolinian but he’s also been a big part of Hoboken Indie Rock scene, from his groundbreaking days in the dB’s to his solo albums on Coyote Records to his more recent work recreating the music of Big Star and touring with the Salt Collective. His new album, Anything Is Possible, described as “lush 60’s pop music,” won’t be released until July, but he’ll be performing at Hoboken’s 503 Social Club on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and a few advance tickets are still available from Eventbrite.
That same night, May 9, St. Divine will headline a benefit for the ACLU at Manhattan’s Parkside Lounge, with support from The Side Effect, Red Like Ruby, Tim Ellis & Soft Serve, and Modern Beast. St. Divine, the post-punk project of Judy Ann Nock (Psych-O-Positive) and Will Croxton (D.T. & the Shakes, Idle, DriverX, The Habit, The Royal Wylds,) have just released their debut EP, “You Can’t Go Forward and You Can’t Go Back,” a collection of slinky, sinuous rock tunes capped by a cover of the Scientists’ “We Had Love.”
On May 14, Jersey City ska-punk legends Crazy & The Brains will headline a rare Wednesday night show at Pet Shop (193 Newark Ave., Jersey City) with support from Vincent The Owl, rapper Nizz Sentine, and Rando La Flare. DJ Leeroy Green will be spinning tunes between the live music. The free festivities kick off at 8 p.m. Crazy & The Brains will also be at Hart Bar in Brooklyn for the “Freaknation” Zine Release party on Saturday, May 17 at 7 p.m., with Rebelmatic, Dumpster Pink, and Toska. Poetry by Gideion Hart, Maya Cordero, and Aristilde Kirby, with DJ Ira Oskman.
Back at Pet Shop, the night after Crazy’s soiree, Thursday, May 15, “Hoboken Jack” Silbert and Look At My Records present a fun night featuring Dog Date, Jean Caffeine, Thyroids, and Road Soda. It’s free as always, starting at 8 p.m., with MC Jack and DJ Lamar keeping it rolling between acts.
Jersey City’s favorite wild boys Wyldlife will be at Bowery Electric on Saturday, May 17, on a bill with Ravagers and How Tragic. The boys don’t play out that often these days so catch them while you can for some raucous garage rockin’ good fun.