DESCRIPTION:
A.J. Croce's rendition of Richard M Jones "Trouble in Mind" from his album "Fit to Serve" (Ruf 1998).

- About A.J. Croce -
The son of Jim Croce, Adrian James Croce made his own musical mark with a combination of contemporary blues and soulful roots rock. He honed his piano skills as a boy, while recovering from a brain tumor that left him partially blind. Taking influence from the likes of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, as well as several early blues artists, he began gigging on the San Diego circuit and signed a record contract with Private Music at the age of 19. Two years later, Croce released his self-titled debut, which featured production from John Simon and T-Bone Burnett. That's Me in the Bar appeared in 1995, and Croce soon left the label to sign with Ruf Records, for whom he issued Fit to Serve in the spring of 1998. Although best known for his piano-based interpretation of American roots music, Croce switched gears in 2000 by hiring alternative rock producer Michael James (whose credits included albums by New Radicals, Hole, and Jane's Addiction) to helm his next record, Transit. Four years later, the singer's fifth album (the self-titled Adrian James Croce) explored more elements of pop music, while 2006's Cantos featured a decidedly stripped-down feel. Croce then returned to a wider sound with Cage of Muses.

- About the album "Fit to serve" -
This is a tremendously talented individual on his way to eventual recognition for great talent. First off, there are the outstanding songs (he either wrote or co-wrote 11 of the 13 tunes on this disc) that combine intelligent lyrics with strong rhythmic music; one can feel the strong influence of the New Orleans piano masters, such as Fess, and especially Dr. John in his compositions. Many of his vocal stylings and complex rhythms combine that New Orleans funk with the Caribbean meter that is so particular to the area. He is accompanied by a band that consists of Paul Kimbarow on drums and David Curtis on bass. A fine release from this up-and-coming talent.

- About the Composer of "Trouble in Mind".-
The composer of "Trouble in Mind," Richard M. Jones' main significance to jazz was as the leader of an interesting series of recording dates. He played alto horn and cornet with the Eureka Brass Band as early as 1902 and worked as a pianist in New Orleans during 1908-1917. After playing with Oscar Celestin (1918), Jones moved to Chicago where he worked for Clarence Williams' publishing company. He recorded as a piano soloist in 1923, accompanied Blanche Calloway and Chippie Hill on record dates (1925-1926), and led his Jazz Wizards on sessions of his own during 1925-1929. Jones' sidemen included Albert Nicholas, Johnny St. Cyr, Ikey Robinson, Roy Palmer, Omer Simeon, and some lesser-known musicians. Richard M. Jones stayed in Chicago for the rest of his life, leading further sessions during 1935-1936 and 1944, and working as a talent scout for Mercury in the 1940s. All of his records as a leader have been reissued on two Classic CDs.