| A. J. Croce | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1993 (1993) | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 40:09 | |||
| Label | Private Music | |||
| Producer | T-Bone Burnett,John Simon | |||
| A. J. Croce chronology | ||||
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A. J. Croce is the debut album by American singer-songwriterA. J. Croce, released in 1993.
Croce was 21 years old when he made the debut album.[1] The album was a result of his performance inducting his father, singer-songwriterJim Croce, into theSongwriter's Hall of Fame.[2] His record label,Private Music decided they wouldn't mount a campaign for a particular single from the album, instead they decided to let radio programmers listen to the entire album and decide for themselves what they wanted to play on the air. Croce said the feedback was "surprisingly supportive".[3]
The album featured heavyweights from the music industry including; producerJohn Simon, guitarist and songwriterT Bone Burnett, drummerJim Keltner, guitaristRobben Ford and keyboardistBenmont Tench.[4] The album entered the top ten U.S. jazz chart in 1993.[5]
All songs written by A.J. Croce, except where noted.[a]
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Billboard Magazine said his debut album "covers acres, as much a tribute to the New Orleans piano masters, the Memphis soul sound, and the Basie-era Kansas City scene as it is a showcase for the artist's impressive songwriting, vocal, and piano playing talents". They also praised the "all-star cast" of players, saying; "together they pulled off a project that in lesser hands would be overambitious".[6]
Graham Coxon wrote inGuitar Player that "Croce masterfully writes and performs songs reminiscent of '30s jazz, '40sjump blues, and late '60s New OrleansR&B, while the supporting musicians provide authentic period feel without sounding dated". Overall, he opined it was "refreshing music that eases the mind and soothes the soul".[7]
Thomas Erlewine fromAllMusic said the album "showcases his flair for low-key, atmospheric blues. As a performer, he's surprisingly confident and assured. As a songwriter, he still relies a little too heavily on cliches, but the best songs show potential, and that's what makes A.J. Croce a winning debut".[8]
