By Mike Watterston

In 1992, local favorites Bill Kelly & the House of Cards released a CD called “The Luck of the Irish.” It was released on Hackettstown-based Buy or Die Records, owned by Jerry Balderson, which was named after his local record store, which is still in existence on Main Street Hackettstown.

The final track on the disc was an untitled bonus track …. called “Santa Man.” It featured Mef Gannon on vocals. Mef, who lived in the Hackettstown area for years, has a long history of performing in and around Northwest Jersey with The Partners and as one half of the duo, Mef & Angela (Adams).

This song always comes to mind for me at this time of year. I recently sat down—virtually—with Mef to reminisce about the recording of that track and other musings. 

Mike Watterston: Hi Mef, How were you approached for this?

Mef Gannon: Wow, that was a long time ago. I don’t remember the exact invite but I do remember talking with Jerry (Balderson), Bill (Kelly) and Niles (Terrat) at the record store about it. The conversation continued at the Jigger Pub a short time later…. if those walls could talk [laughs].

MW: Where was it recorded?

MG: We all met at Don Sternecker’s Mix-O-Lydian Studios in Boonton, New Jersey.

MW: How long did it take?

MG: It took an evening. We got there around 6 or 7 p.m. and was home by 1 a.m. 

MW: Was it a good experience?

MG: It was fun! How could it not be? Hanging with Jerry, Bill, Niles and Andy (Goessling) was always a good time! Jeff Barg was there, too. The song had a party feel to it. It was easy to get into the groove for this. You realize now how good we had it in our little Hackettstown music scene. I’m grateful to have been a part of it!

MW: What are you up to these days?

MG: I’m just hanging around my home creating art. I do a lot of beadwork, art quilting and other assorted mixed media. I’m not done with music but for now I’m taking a break from it. We’ll see what happens in 2021.

Thanks to Mef for her time.

This was actually an all-star band of musicians. It’s truly a gift to have this on wax … or disc. Thanks to the band, Jerry, Don and everyone that made it happen.

Bill Kelly, vocal & guitar
Mike Esposito, guitar 
Niles Terrat,  bass
Andy Goessling, mandolin & sax
Jeff Barg, drums 
Mef Gannon, guest vocal

Enjoy the Season!