Matt Wade, if I had to describe his style, which I hate to do. He would be a cross between Billy Joel and Greg Allman, but with his own flair for music and song. A strong musician and vocalist Matt Wade is a name everybody needs to see and hear to believe. Great Job, Matt.

When you walk through the doors of The House of Independents on Valentine's Day, you'll be enveloped in a "sultry" ambience, courtesy of The Matt Wade Band's intoxicating blend of soul, jazz and R&B sounds. The 9-piece band will be playing a combination of your favorite love songs, along with Wade's original tunes, which have been rearranged to give listeners an entirely new experience. The music will keep you fired up and full of passion while you enjoy complimentary chocolate and whiskey tastings.

"I'm from Point Pleasant, NJ, and have been playing piano since age three or four. I took piano lessons when I was very young, but never really learned how to read music. I picked up drums at age 10, and began playing out as a drummer all through high school. I taught myself guitar, bass and organ, and also began writing and playing out these instruments shortly after graduating high school, when I went on to study at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC for two years."

"Since I was 4 or 5 years old, starting on keys and then went to drums guitar and bass once I hit middle school/high school. Music gives me the opportunity to express myself and create, as well as reach people and make them happy through the songs and the performing. I really like having fun and creating with friends and other players and songwriters too, and am surrounded by lots of them constantly."

Matt Wade, singer and song-writer, performs during this week's episode of The 66 Sessions at the Asbury Park Press. Matt stopped by our studio to play a couple of songs and talk a bit about his new studio.

"Hard To Get By", Hurricane Sandy/The Story of Recovery Video by Deanna Aliano/Music by Matt Wade.