January Jams Presents: A.J. Croce

If You Like: Dr. John, James Brown, Allen Toussaint, Jim Croce, Ray Charles
From his debut as a jazz influenced blues-based artist to his evolution into a pop music iconoclast, singer-songwriter A.J. Crocehas traveled a circuitous musical road.
In celebration of his career, A.J. Croce just re-released his highly successful album, That’s Me in the Bar, on the year of its 20th anniversary, which is his first album to chart on the radio twice in two different decades. With his unique jazz piano stylings and blues-tinged voice, the 12-track album established Croce as a singular artistic force in 1995. The rerelease included a bonus track featuring Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “If You Want Me to Stay,” recorded 20 years ago but locked in the vault until now. The album features music luminaries including Ry Cooder, David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), Robben Ford, Bill Payne (Little Feat), and producer/drummer Jim Keltner (Eric Clapton). Both the recent re-issue and 2014’s new album Twelve Tales were released on Compass Records (Ron Sexsmith, Colin Hay) and available on both CD and vinyl.
The son of legendary singer-songwriterJim Croce,A.J.’scareer began with his first tour at age 18 opening up for B.B. King.In the span of a 20+-year career, A.J. has headlined festivals, concerts and major listening venues worldwide. He has been seen and heard on shows includingJay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Austin City Limits, Good Morning America,E!, andCNN,and he has shared the stage with an innumerable list of eclectic artists fromWillie NelsontoRay Charles,BélaFlecktoJames Brown,Lyle LovetttoMorphine, andRod StewarttoBen Harper.
A loyal and appreciative audience and glowing press fromRolling Stoneto theNew York Timesconfirms the appeal of A.J’s genre-spanning music, with seven of his albums positioned in various radio charts including Top 40, AAA, Americana, College, and Jazz. An ivory-searing New Orleans piano style established an essential juju, but his exploratory pop gems revealed a spectrum of influences from art rock to Americana and beyond.Initially signed as a jazz artist, he subsequently charted with an Americana roots release and recorded two well-regarded releases for BMG Records that expanded his audience exponentially.His subsequent albums were released on various independent labels and his own label, Seedling Records, established in 2003 to release his own records and that of other artists.
A dedicated family man, an adventurous artist and a confident creator; in this phase in his life and career, A.J. is focused less on expectations and more on instincts. “I generally want to do the stuff that makes me feel good,” he says. And like the blues greats who influenced him, A.J. Croce continues to create stellar music with longevity, authenticity and truth.
“A.J. Croce has wisdom beyond his years. With his music, he represents his generation with a profound sense of honesty in his lyrics and quality in his delivery. The future of entertainment is safe in his hands!” — Willie Nelson
“One of the greatest young songwriters” – David Wild, Rolling Stone

Opening Act: Mason & David Via

While many songs in folk music are credited as “traditional” or “public domain,” there is simply no song without a songwriter. Virginia has had more than its share of prolific songwriters in bluegrass music, including Ralph and Carter Stanley, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, and Randal Hylton. Songwriter and performer David Via, of Stuart, Virginia, started singing in church at age three and playing guitar at age twelve. During his long career, David has performed with Tony Rice, Curtis Burch, and Ronnie Bowman, among others, but he is best known as a songwriter. He has penned numerous chart-topping songs for artists including Ronnie Bowman, Dede Wyland, and Larry Keel. One of David’s most cherished honors was Jeanette Carter’s request that David’s song, Lord Keep the Light On, be performed at her funeral, sung by Carter Family friend and legendary country artist Marty Stuart. David will apprentice his son Mason, himself a stunningly gifted young singer and songwriter. Mason has received critical acclaim for his debut CD Up, Up, Up, which is comprised entirely of original compositions. Mason spent his childhood accompanying his dad to fiddlers’ conventions, music festivals, concerts, and jams, where he soaked up not only his father’s music but that of countless others.
Time – Doors Open at 7:15 PM Show Starts at 8:00 PM
Tickets are $25 or purchase tickets for A.J. Croce and Justin Townes Earle on January 7th for just $45.

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