Croce Tour to Include NYC and Poughkeepsie Stops

A.J. Croce, a respected singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has declared the return of his highly acclaimed Croce Plays Croce tour, a touching homage to his father, the late Jim Croce. The tour is set to make stops in New York City at Town Hall on October 24 and The Bardavon in Poughkeepsie on October 25, as part of a nationwide trek.

Commencing in September, the Croce Plays Croce tour promises an expanded setlist, incorporating more obscure tracks from Jim Croce’s repertoire alongside beloved classics like “Time in a Bottle,” “Operator,” and “I Got a Name.” Additionally, fans can anticipate tunes from A.J. Croce’s latest album, Heart of the Eternal.

Simultaneously with the tour announcement, A.J. Croce released the official music video for his new single, “Turned Around.” In the video, A.J. and his band deliver a compelling performance of the song, offering a glimpse of the enchantment concert-goers can expect at his upcoming shows.

When discussing the upcoming tour, A.J. Croce shared, “This tour goes beyond being just a tribute to my father and showcasing my own music—it represents the convergence of my roots and an affirmation of my unique artistry. It’s a voyage through soul and sound.”

“Turned Around,” a gem from the Heart of the Eternal album, originated as a songwriting exercise for A.J. Croce. His aim was to create coherence out of absurdity, constructing each verse based on a series of oxymorons to craft a whimsical yet coherent storyline. Drawing inspiration from the innovative works of writers like Ogden Nash and Roger Miller, Croce even crafted his own expressions when conventional phrases didn’t suffice.

Produced by Shooter Jennings and recorded at Los Angeles’ prestigious Sunset Sound, Heart of the Eternal showcases a fusion of piano-driven rock, psychedelic soul, and traditional songwriting. Featuring collaborations with Margo Price and John Oates, the album made a splash on music charts, earning accolades from publications like American Songwriter and Forbes, which hailed it as “a versatile exploration of the human experience.”

From poignant ballads to energetic rock tracks, Heart of the Eternal serves as a testament to Croce’s versatility as a musician and his seamless blending of genres—spanning from fuzzy rock to Latin-infused jazz-pop. Noteworthy tunes include “Reunion,” a co-write with John Oates, and “The Finest Line,” a duet with Margo Price that delves into themes of mortality and the afterlife.

A.J. Croce’s musical journey began under challenging circumstances, having lost his father at an early age and later facing a period of complete blindness. However, with the piano as his solace and inspiration drawn from iconic blind pianists like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, Croce honed his craft and rose to prominence as a piano virtuoso by 18. His impressive career has seen collaborations with legends such as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and Bela Fleck, across a myriad of genres.

Reflecting on the impact of music on his life, A.J. Croce shared, “Music has been my everything—it’s been my teacher of patience, compassion, and empathy. It was my sanctuary and my faith when I lost my eyesight as a child.” A testimony to his influences, his music encapsulates depth, soul, and emotion, creating connections with listeners on a profound level.