A.J. Croce Dazzles at Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck

Recently I had the privilege to see singer A.J. Croce perform at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, New York.

In a beautiful, somewhat intimate setting, Mr. Croce dazzled with his songs and stories much like his late father, Jim Croce, who died tragically in a plane crash in 1973.

As Peter O’Toole’s character said at one point in “My Favorite Year:” “high praise indeed!” It is well deserved high praise.

He opened the show, which was well over 90 minutes without an intermission, with Leon Russell’s “Rollin’ On” and then continued with an eclectic collection of music including songs from his latest album, “Twelve Tales.”

A.J. sang “Operator” a song written by his father Jim in 1964 which he also recorded.

It told of a time Jim Croce was stationed at Fort Dix New Jersey and had to use a phone without a booth.

Much has changed as callers no longer place quarters, no less dimes, (the lyric “You can keep the dime” still resonates) in phones, but seeing A.J. perform, I felt a connection greater than any electronic gadget can provide.

Somehow he has continued what dad Jim started and is a prolific singer/songwriter with so much to say.

I spoke with the personable Croce after the show, congratulating him on a wonderful show and I also asked a sports question or two for this column.  Croce is a San Diego Padres fan in baseball but laments the team’s loss of manager Bruce Bochy, who has guided the rival S.F. Giants to three titles.

For info on where you can see A.J. Croce perform, click here.

A.J. and Andy B