J.J. Cale And Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido

Sometimes, you throw on a record and it just works, ya know? Whatever the mood, whatever your day has been like, you go to your collection in need of that one record that’s gonna make it right… and you just nail it.

This one is that record. Every damn time.

I can’t even begin to tell you how great this is. I may have raved before about J.J. Cale in these pages before, especially his record Troubadour. He has a sound, a thing that he does, and no matter where you are or what’s happening, it brings you back. It grounds you, lets you know everything can be OK.

Oh yeah, and that guy Clapton. You might have heard of him. He’s OK with a guitar now and then, I reckon.

Honestly, this is sunny California and sweet rhythms and blues all rolled into 14 tracks of glorious.

And look at just a short list of folks involved, in one way or another… Derek Trucks, John Mayer, Albert Lee, Doyle Bramhall II, Nathan East, Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan, Billy Preston, Taj Mahal, and many others…

I know. The damn thing won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2008, too.

In Sum:

If you have this, you’ll know what I mean. If you don’t have this, you’re probably wondering how the hell you missed it. Or perhaps you’re regretting passing it over as some Clapton side project not worth your time. Or if, after all that, you still don’t care, well, it’ll be here for you when you come around, when you’re ready for it.

Get this in your life. Trust me.

31 thoughts on “J.J. Cale And Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido

  1. J. says:

    I’m in the minority here, but I found this one a tad dull. Flawlessly played and suchlike, but it lacked any real heart. That’s just my opinion, of course.

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      1. J. says:

        No, I wouldn’t call myself a fan. I like Cream and much of Derek and the Dominos, but I tend to think he’s never released an out and out classic as a solo artist. I have one album (461 461 Ocean Boulevard, which I wrote about a while back) that is probably the best I’ve heard, but is by no means a great album.

        Generally, I don’t think he’s as great as some would suggest.

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        1. keepsmealive says:

          He certainly has released some clunkers. I think it’s in him, and it sometimes shines through. One 80s album I can love top to bottom is Journeyman, if you’re ever feeling like giving him another try.

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          1. J. says:

            I’ll make a note, but I don’t think it’s likely. Cream, Derek and 461 Ocean Boulevard is all the Clapton I need, I reckon.

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              1. J. says:

                Not even. I do actually have that Johnson tribute. Or had. I got shot of it. I just found it dull. He’s nowhere near the player some say, either. Once upon a time? Maybe. Maybe.

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  2. cariboumarkt says:

    I totally get what you are saying about the JJ Cale “Sound”. I don’t own this record. I can’t say I’ve ever even heard any of it. But, if it has that “Sound”, I’m in!

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