The Heart and Soul of A.J. Croce

A.J. Croce
“Heart of the Eternal”
BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
2025

A.J. Croce was two years old when his legendary father, Jim Croce, died in a plane crash and four when he experienced total vision loss. He later regained sight in his left eye at age ten. He found comfort in his late father's music collection, exploring artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson and learning to play the piano. As a young man, he was mentored by R&B virtuoso Floyd Dixon and quickly gained the attention of B.B. King, Ray Charles, and other influential musicians. As an adult, he has established himself as an artist of integrity and innovation, delivering soulful rhythm and blues that defy a single genre label.

“Heart of the Eternal,” his 2025 release, features 11 new tracks and is produced by Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings. It’s a well-balanced collection of energetic, soulful pieces ranging from “Complications of Love” and “Didn't You Want That Too,” which explore the complexities of relationships, to the lighthearted reality check of “So Much Fun,” which celebrates good times with friends — "it’s so much fun to see them come, but man it’s good to see them go.”

Optimistic and forward-looking, "The Best You Can" is balanced with "All You Want," a moody meditation on navigating those inevitable down times that come our way. Even the album’s weaker tracks, “I Got a Feeling” and “Hey Margarita,” are lifted by the power and diversity of the overall collection. The haunting and beautifully hypnotic duet “The Finest Line,” featuring Margo Price, wraps up the album with style and grace. 

The band features A.J. on piano and lead vocals, as well as rhythm and lead guitar, David Barard on bass, Gary Mallaber on drums, and James Pennebaker on guitar. If you haven’t yet experienced the artistry and sincerity of this immensely talented artist, this release is a great place to start. I saw A.J. near the end of his Croce Plays Croce tour in October 2024 in Eugene, Oregon, where he not only paid tribute to his father but also performed an eclectic set of originals from his impressive catalog, as well as a host of landmark R&B, blues, and rock hits. An evening with A.J. in concert is highly recommended. 

Mike Farris Comes Home to Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris
“The Sound of Muscle Shoals”
Compass Records
2025

After his southern rock band, the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, disbanded in the 1990s, Mike Farris emerged as a gifted and soulful solo performer, overcoming the excesses of rock ‘n’ roll. He plays a solid mix of rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel and has released half a dozen albums. He is a Grammy, Americana Association, and Dove Music Award winner who has lent his vocal talents to album projects for artists including Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, and Gloria Gaynor. He’s enjoyed a lasting friendship with Mavis Staples, whom he honored in his song “When Mavis Sings.” He was invited to be a featured performer at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual American Masters concert in 2011, honoring Aretha Franklin alongside some of the industry's biggest stars.

In 2018, Mike Farris joined numerous artists to pay tribute to Muscle Shoals' legacy on the album “Muscle Shoals ... Small Town, Big Sound,” where he and the Blind Boys of Alabama delivered the finest track, “Respect Yourself.” This sparked curiosity about what a complete project by Farris in this storied environment would be like. Now, we have the answer with the 2025 release of “The Sound of Muscle Shoals” recorded at FAME Studios in Alabama.

This is an exceptional collection of nine original songs and two covers, delivered with the powerhouse vocals that only Farris can provide. “Heavy On the Humble,” “Her,” “Learning to Love,” and “Before There Was You & I” each celebrate the enduring relationship he shares with his wife, Julie. “Bird In the Rain” is a smooth, soulful ballad that would make the late Aretha Franklin proud. The gospel song "Slow Train” is a brilliant cover of the Staple Singers' 1968 classic. “Bright Lights” is a solid country tune that captures the struggles of a road-weary troubadour as he chases his passion for music, featuring Philippe Bronchtein's excellent steel guitar.

Rounding out this collection is an excellent cover of Tom Petty's “Swingin'” and “I'll Come Runnin',” featuring a slow, glorious build and plateau, pledging love and commitment. “Sunset Road” ponders a lover’s getaway, leaving worries behind and reclaiming what matters.

Every song here is pure excellence. Farris's vocal delivery is spot-on, and his songwriting is sincere and compelling. The band, featuring Clayton Ivey on piano, Hammond organ, and Wurlitzer; Will McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, and Wes Sheffield on guitar; Jimbo Hart on bass; Justin Holder on drums and percussion; Wendy Moten, Kevin Clayborn, Lashanda Evans, Cindy Walker, and Angela Hacker on vocals; Philippe Bronchtein on steel guitar; Brad Guin on saxophones; and Drew White on trumpet, is exceptional. This album is a must-experience for all who appreciate authentic, soulful rhythm and blues.