The Road To Escondido

Definitely glad I bought it.

Excellent music. I bought before a road trip and it was perfect. I was dancing in my seat.

What can you say? You have two pals play for one another. Oh just happens to be Eric Clapton and JJ Cale. One of those moments in music that bridge JJ Cale's early work to right now. This minute.

Because I like much of JJC's and EC's music, I bought this album unheard. I read the liner notes before playing and when I saw that there were no less than 25 session musicians and that Simon Climie had co-produced, I thought that I was in for a large dose of 'production overkill'. However, this turned out not to be the case (there is some occasional fuzziness to the sound, but this was a minor distraction only). THE SONGS : 11 of the 14 tracks are penned by JJC and they are typical of his 'art' - simple, yet infectious, country blues with a slight 'world weary' feel to them. On this album, the main difference is that the sound is much richer and 'warmer' than that normally associated with JJC. Two of the songs ('Anyway the Wind Blows' and 'Don't Cry Sister') are re-makes of originals released in the late 70's and I must admit to actually preferring these songs with the more 'lush' sound of this album. THE VOCALS : Shared, more or less, evenly between EC and JJC (harmony and solos) - EC having a slightly bigger share of the solo vocals. Both artists are in in good form. THE PLAYING : Most tracks feature some really mellow guitar (although the solos are fairly short). At times, I couldn't tell who was playing (the liner notes don't give credits on an individual track basis) but I believe most of the lead playing is by EC with JJC making briefer contributions (but that clear and incisive guitar sound, featured on some of his 70's playing, is still there). Instrumental variety is further enhanced by organ and piano on some tracks. A few comments about my favourite tracks (songwriters in brackets): DANGER (J J Cale) - Upbeat 'poppy' song with a short, wistful guitar solo and some deft organ playing by Billy Preston; at 5 1/2 minutes, perhaps a bit too long. ITS EASY (J J Cale) - This one just 'boogies' along; great guitar solo. HARD TO THRILL (Eric Clapton/John Mayer) - Contemporary blues with a 'moody' sound. Great vocals by EC, great guitar solo (possibly by EC and/or John Mayer) and some nice piano also. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT (J J Cale) - Slowish boogie with a very bluesy sound, great guitar by EC; great piano playing too on this one. WHO AM I TELLING YOU? (J J Cale) - A beautiful song this; I liked the bluesy piano and the poignant slide guitar solo towards the end - I'm assuming this was Derek Trucks; I'm not very familiar with his music (I've led a cloistered life in recent years) but I thought the playing was absolutely exquisite. There was only one track I didn't like - THREE LITTLE GIRLS (Eric Clapton) - seems out of place on this album; I thought it was a rather unexceptional song with over-sentimental lyrics. I think this album is a fine example of 'laid back american' music at its best. Whilst it may not appeal to a very wide audience, JJC fans should be more than happy with it (providing the 'fuller' production isn't an issue) - it is, essentially, an album which is heavily influenced by JJC's music and style. Also, if you like EC albums such as 'Backless' and 'Money and Cigarettes', then you will probably like this album as well.

How can you go wrong with Eric Clapton and J J Cale? I've driven that very road from Valley Center to Escondido several times.

Typical greatness of clapton

These two guitar virtuosos ( rest in peace JJ) blend seamlessly together with their soft voices and excellent guitar playing. I heard about this CD and bought it without even listening to it first. I knew these two would not disappoint. Two thumbs up!

I love this record. They sound great together. The song selection is great. It's fun trying to decide who is doing the solos on each song. I think Clapton has more of the Strat's brighter tone, while JJ has a more relaxed style. Plus, he plays slide, which always gives me the feels.