“Cage of Muses” marks the eighth release by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist A.J. Croce. If you are tired of slick, mindless pop, this may be the album you have been waiting for. “Cage of Muses” was recorded live at The Boat in Silverlake over three days. Due to the fact that A.J. sang and played live, and the best take is what ended up on the final recording. Croce took on production duties, and spent months organizing songs, choosing the right musicians and arranging, so that when the tape started rolling the outcome would be successful.

 

“This is my first concept album “ Croce says. “These songs were all muses that I had held, in some cases for many years”. He continues,” While the music is electric, the songs themselves tell a story about the world we live in”, Each is from a different perspective”, Croce pauses, and “You may find that after listening to the album a second or third time that what you thought was a love song is actually about politics, religion or the environment”, A.J. adds, “A simple song is beautiful. When, as a songwriter I can find a way to add depth to simplicity, then I feel a true sense of accomplishment”.

 

The title” Cage of Muses”, Croce explains “Was to me poetic. Anything can be a cage of muses, a pen, a blank canvas, your computer or my music”, pausing A.J. adds.,”The original ‘Cage Of Muses’ was the library in Alexandria, Egypt. Philosophers and priests, as I understand referred to the building which housed the largest collection of knowledge in the ancient world as a “cage of muses’”.

 

In addition to being a performing artist, A.J. Croce also heads Seedling Records, and is involved in it’s day-to-day operations. Based in Nashville, Croce works as a songwriter and a session musician.

 

The Band:

A.J. Croce – Piano, Guitar, Organ, Vocals

Davey Faragher – Bass

Greg Leisz – Pedal Steel, Lap Steel, Weisenborn, Mandolin

Brian Macleod – Drums, Percussion

Michael Bizar – Guitar, Bass

 Nick Kirgo - Guitar