The Road To Escondido by J.J. Cale (CD, Nov-2006, Reprise)

It’s hard to imagine that Eric Clapton owes anybody a legacy thank you, but after listening to this
collaborative effort with J.J. Cale, the listener is reminded who wrote Clapton’s first hit: “After Midnight.” Even more than that, the same key and delivery of both are as harmonious as CSNY was diverse. J.J. Cale, to the cult initiated, is a hermit rocker who refused to compromise, seldom did large venues, and influenced others such as Mark Knopfler and Lynnyrd Skynnyrd as well as Clapton, with his unique ringing guitar phrasing.

Which brings us to what I think is one of the top records of the year: “The Road To Escondido.” There is a fresh uniqueness to the music that epitomizes the term: Americana Rock. Cale nailed it early in the 70’s with such hits as “Cocaine,” “They Call Me the Breeze,” “ Crazy Mama” and many more underground hits. While Cale and Clapton are indistinguishable in vocals, the songwriting is all Cale. He write all the songs on here except one.

So what kind of supporting cast helped these rock legends? Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, John Mayer, and Albert Lee all play guitar. The late Billie Preston sadly laid some of his last tracks on this cd while playing keyboards. Personally, I was hoping for a more ‘live’ feel, and this cd has the homegrown feel of a relaxed Clapton album while still being a tad more slick than advisable.

This music is a fine introduction to ‘Roots Rock (or Americana if you prefer.) Every song on the cd clicks, and is assembled so they naturally flow into each other. If you liked the Traveling Wilburys sound with George Harrison, Dylan, Tom Petty & crew, you will thoroughly enjoy this November 2006 release.

Jeff Feezle