J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton
The Road To Escondido
Reprise #44418-2
J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton have long been associated in the public’s mind despite the fact that they have never recorded together or really played together until the last few years. The association stems from the fact that Cale wrote two songs, “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” that are among the most recognized tunes in Eric Clapton’s repertoire. Eric Clapton is of course the superstar British guitarist/vocalist who has enjoyed a prolific solo career as well as being a part of Cream, Blind Faith and several other high profile projects. J.J. Cale is a Tulsa, Oklahoma bred musician better known as a songwriter than performer who has, nonetheless, had numerous solo releases dating back to 1971. The Road To Escondido was released in 2006 and is Clapton and Cale’s first recording project together.
“Danger” opens the disc and features Clapton and Cale singing in unison and some fine backing from the late organist Billy Preston. The tune is typical of Cale’s style which is described by many as laidback. “Missing Person” features some stunning slide guitar work from Allman Brothers band member Derek Trucks. “When This War is Over” is an anti-war tune by with a rhythm reminiscent of Jimmy Reed’s “Big Boss Man”. A very good performance is turned in on Brownie McGee’s “Sporting Life Blues” which sports a very relaxed, jazzy performance and was the highlight of the record for me. “Dead End Road” is an upbeat country tune with a guitar solo by former Clapton sideman Albert Lee. “It’s Easy” opens with a Delta blues guitar figure before morphing into a T Rex “Bang a Gong” type groove. “Hard To Thrill” is a song co-written by Clapton and John Mayer. “Anyway The Wind Blows” feature multiple guitar players playing over an extended one chord vamp. One of the soloists appears to be Doyle Bramhall II if my ear is not betraying me. “Don’t Cry Sister” features a great funky groove and is also one of the highlights of this disc.
I have to admit that although the album has some highpoints, I found the overall feel of the album to be too relaxed with not enough blues content for my tastes. Fans of Cale’s and Clapton’s might disagree and they may like this disc a lot. I found several of the performances to be enjoyable but this is not a blues recording and has more of a country/rock type feel. If you like that sort of thing this album might be worth a look but if you are looking for blues steer clear.
- Barry Gober
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Southwest Blues CD Review - September 2008
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