A.J. Croce - "Cantos"(Seedling Records, 2006)

As far as rock star progeny go, A.J. Croce continues to prove that he's all about the music, not the quick money and fame his father Jim's name could provide. His albums show that clearly, as Cantos allows him to build on his influences (Paul McCartney, anyone?) and his many talents. The album is a stripped-down example of Croce's multi-instrumental skill, songwriting prowess and vocal abilities. The album opener shows all of this clearly: "Time Will Tell" is a great song hands down, despite the fact that most of the three minute piece is just Croce and a piano. Reminescent of McCartney's best work, combined with Billy Joel piano, it's hard to beat songs like this. Unfortunately, these aren't songs that are well attuned to today's radio climate, even in the adult contemporary market, so Croce's work is likely to continue to go unnoticed by the bulk of the music-listening public. Other key tracks include an astounding cover of "Maybe I'm Amazed" that channels the Beatles like few other artists have managed, as well as Croce-originals "Play" and "I'll Know It's Right" -- which features a guitar line his father could truly be proud of.