Idol Chatter & Voice Views

It’s called “Sessions Vol. 2: Muscle Shoals” and includes three tracks Tony recorded during a visit to Muscle Shoals, Ala., about 10 years ago.

In keeping with the theme, his cover of Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years” is put to video, featuring clips of Tony performing over the years and ending with snapshots of fans he’s met during that time.

The other two tracks on the EP are a stripped-down version of “Longing,” first released on his “Canyon Songs” album from 2006 and a piano version of “It’s You,” the closing track from his debut album “So Satisfied,” released in 1997.

In a separate YouTube video, Tony explains the importance of the latter song. You’ll recall that he starred on The Mickey Mouse Club for four years — alongside Christina Aguilera — in his teens. He followed that up with some movie and TV roles.

“I enjoyed it a lot,” Tony says, “but I knew that eventually I was going to have to get back to singing and writing songs. This was kind of the song that allowed me to realize that I needed to be making music full time. Literally after I wrote this song, I think I called my manager and said, ‘Yeah, you don’t have to submit me for anything else (acting roles). I’m going to be making records now.'”

He’s been making music — and releasing lots of it — ever since. “Sessions Vol. 1: Sun Studio,” also featuring three tracks, came out in February and is also available on iTunes.

Next month, Tony will be heading out on the “Heads or Tails” tour with Alex Dezen and Christian Lopez. That tour includes a Sept. 28 stop at the World Cafe Live in Philly. You can check out all the dates on Tony’s Facebook page or website.

Tony finished third on Season 2 of The Voice.