Valley of Salt’s Prog-Rock Opera Inspired by New Jersey’s Musical Resilience

Written By Mike Greenblatt

Brian Stemetzki records as Valley Of Salt. The Gloucester County native—raised in Burlington County—will release a concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness:  The Story of John the Baptist on February 3. He calls it “a progressive rock opera that celebrates the creativity, resilience and storytelling spirit that defines New Jersey’s music community.

“It’s a love letter to the spirit of collaboration, passion and artistry that I learned growing up in New Jersey,” he adds. “It’s also about connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling and rich instrumentation, values that echo the very essence of the Jersey Sound.”

Recorded in Texas, produced by English guitarist Marty Willson-Piper, 66, who was in Australian band The Church for 33 years, it features guest performances from members of The Polyphonic Spree, the Fort Smith Symphony and the Dallas gospel community.

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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