Jim Croce
Home Recordings
first album of unreleased material in over thirty years, available from High Coin
When Jim Croce died tragically in a plane crash on 20 September 1973, he was just thirty years old and had recently been recognized as one of the most promising artists of his era, a soft rock singer-songwriter who excelled both at infectious, upbeat singles and downbeat, melancholy ballads. From only three original studio releases he earned two number 1 singles, six more top 40 singles and a number 1 album. 'Home Recordings: Americana' is the first album of previously unreleased material in over 30 years.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa on 10 January 1943 James Croce was raised on ragtime and country. He played the accordion as a child before teaching himself the guitar. It was during his freshman year at college (studying psychology and modern languages) that he began taking his musical ability seriously and formed several bands. After graduation and marriage Croce worked as both teacher and construction worker to support himself and wife Ingrid. In 1969 they moved to New York so Jim could record his debut album, titled 'Jim and Ingrid'. The album failed to sell so Jim took up several jobs including singing for radio commercials. It was here that he was noticed and signed by the ABC/Durnhill label. His second album 'Don't Mess Around with Jim' released 1972, spawned three hits in 'You Don't Mess Around with Jim', 'Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)' and 'Time in a Bottle' (a posthumous no.1 single). Croce quickly followed with the release of the 'Life and Times album' in 1973 and Croce's first number 1 single 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown'. After touring for 4 years Croce decided he needed to take a break to spend more time with his wife Ingrid and infant son Adrian James but before the Life and Times tour was complete and just 2 months after topping the singles chart Croce was killed in a plane crash in Natchitoches.
'Home Recordings: Americana' has the best of America's roots songs from country, folk and blues recorded by Jim in his Pennsylvania home on a Wollensak reel to reel in 1967. Featured here are 15 legendary songs written by the likes of Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, Jimmie Rodgers, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee to name but a few. 'Home Recordings: Americana' comes with detailed liner notes containing photos and personal recollections written by Ingrid and son AJ. Shared by his family for the first time, these are intimate, revealing songs made all the more poignant as a result of Jim's life cut short.
Tracklisting:
Living With The Blues
Things 'Bout Goin' My Way
Nobody Loves A Fat Girl
You Ought To See Pickles Now
Cigarettes, Whiskey, And Wild Wild Women
In The Jailhouse Now
If The Backdoor Could Talk
Who Will Buy The Wine?
Mom And Dad's Waltz
The Wall
Sadie Green (The Vamp Of New Orleans)
I Got Mine
Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Six Days On The Road
Mama Tried
catalogue number: SABRECD2004; barcode: 823566039525
available to buy from play.com, hmv.co.uk and all good record stores.