A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

A.J. Croce’s career reflects the joyful love of music that defines the most enduring artists. A piano virtuoso since childhood, he toured with B.B. King at 18 and has since collaborated with legends like Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Ry Cooder, and Allen Toussaint. Over time, Croce has crafted an acclaimed catalog blending blues, soul, rock, and Americana.

His new album, Heart of the Eternal, produced by Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), pushes creative boundaries—journeying through psychedelic soul, Latin jazz-pop, and gospel. Recorded at Sunset Sound in L.A., the album was created between dates on Croce’s successful Croce Plays Croce tour, which features songs by his late father, Jim Croce, alongside his own work and select covers.

Joining him on the album are longtime bandmates: bassist David Barard (Dr. John), drummer Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison), and guitarist James Pennebaker (Delbert McClinton). Songs like “I Got A Feeling” and “Hey Margarita” showcase Croce’s growing confidence on guitar, while “Reunion,” co-written with John Oates, offers a moving meditation on mortality.

Throughout the record, Croce’s mastery of the piano remains central—an instrument he first played before he could walk, and which became a lifeline during years of childhood blindness. Whether exploring tango-infused melodies or soulful duets (like “The Finest Line” with Margo Price), Croce’s music radiates depth, emotion, and imagination.

With Heart of the Eternal, Croce continues to evolve—redefining his sound while honoring music’s power to heal, connect, and transcend.