Having visited and performed in Ireland many times already, AJ Croce has always felt a connection to the Emerald Isle and the creatives of musicians, poets, and writers citing them as influences to his material. He has released his brand-new album By Request, via Compass Records.
Croce has established an incredible reputation over the past three decades as a piano player, and vocal stylists who pulls from a host of musical traditions and anti-heroes. By Request, features 12-personal curated covers that explore adventures through the decades and different genres with loose-and-easy piano mastery and emotive vocals, that will lift the listeners spirits from the beginning of the first note.
By Request, is the first album the American singer-songwriter Croce has released since the tragic loss of his wife, Marlo Croce, of 24-years. It stands as the first record by himself to feature his full touring band of drummer Gary Mallaber, bassist David Barard, and guitarist Garrett Stoner.
Opening the album, ‘Nothing from Nothing’ (Billy Preston) is a funky version with a lot of groove that will make the listener instantly get up and move.
‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ (Neil Young) has a slowness to it with a great instrumentation that perfectly collides with his voice making the track his own, and can be re-interpreted like a gospel track.
‘Have You Seen My Baby’ (Randy Newman) has a fun vibe with old school vibes that will delight the listener into further dance moves.
‘Nothing Can Change This Love’ (Sam Cooke track) has a steady build up with cheery vibes, with incredible piano-key skills.
‘Better Day’ (Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry) which has a funky twist and country-like style that makes it a fascinating listen.
‘Ooh Child’ (The Five Stairsteps) is a greatly terrific, and reassuring track with a lot of energy present.
‘Stay With Me’ (The Faces) has Rock n’ Roll vibes with an entertaining instrumentation.
‘Brickyard Blues’ (Allen Toussaint) finds Croce putting his own spin on the piano-driven arrangements with a groovy tone that adds more energy to the track.
‘San Diego Serenade’ (Tom Waits) is a slow and mellow track with an amazing backing track that allows the vocals to be front and centre of the song.
‘Sail on Sailor’ (The Beach Boys) is a smooth and cracking rendition being a pleasurable listen.
‘Can’t Nobody Love You’ (James Mitchell) is a sweet and groovy track with an excellent production that is utterly smooth and a fantastic listen, being a breathtaking rendition.
‘Ain’t No Justice’ (Shorty Long) has a sense of obscurity similar to the Motown roots it originated from. It’s an interesting closing track that wonderfully collects the album's true sense and meaning.
By Request, showcases a lot of wisdom and beautiful cover music that represents Croce’s generation in a profound way that makes this album a worthy listen with creative lyrics, an interesting production, and overall great quality in his delivery - in turn, choosing the best of the best tracks to cover for this project album. It’s a smooth and relaxing listen with upbeat tunes to release dopamine.
Combining his love for all types of musical genres of Blues, Soul, Pop, Jazz, and Rock n’ Roll, the multi-talented musician has gathered a lot of incredible experience over the years, that with his tastes and extended influences reach even further to classical styles and world music styles from Latin Jazz to music of Africa, Eastern Europe, or India. Being a life’s worth of covers that is pleasantly wonderful to listen to, Croce created a masterpiece with, By Request.
Celebrating 30-years of a music career, By Request, is AJ Croce’s way of inviting his fans over a private gathering at his place. He quoted, “We listen to great music, laugh, make great food and after a few drinks and maybe a few more we end up in my music room and I start taking requests of every genre and era. The music is always fun and completely diverse. We’ll play and sing all kinds of music. Some of my friends are professional musicians, some do it for fun and many friends are just serious music fans. So you’ll fit right in. Welcome to my home, by request, you’re hereby invited to join the party.”
Words by Danielle Holian
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