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CD review: J.J. Cale “Roll On”
J.J. Cale
“Roll On” (Rounder)
About a year ago an editor for a respected music magazine (no longer publishing) pitched me on writing about some artist I wasn’t so hot on. “How about J.J. Cale?” I suggested as a substitute. Long silence, as all he heard was that I wanted to write a big article on the guy who wrote “Cocaine” and “After Midnight” for Eric Clapton. Man, is Cale underrated. He’s Gatemouth Brown in a B.B. King world.
It’s impossible to write about this Okie without using the word “groove.” On his new album “Roll On,” which hits stores tomorrow, Cale gets deep on in it, as the listener’s sway becomes a given and part of the percussion. “Down In Memphis” and “Oh Mary” are what Bob Dylan was going for on “Modern Times,” but without the weight of being Dylan, Cale serves the blues rock like the best $1.99 breakfast you’ve ever had.
First time I played this CD I was surrounded by unmoving traffic without feeling stuck. This is Chuck Berry rocking on the porch with his foot keeping the rhythm and his guitar stirring the night air. It’s pure music that just knows what’s right.
Playing most instruments himself, Cale was able to get out the music in his mind here, with all its simple majesty intact. Nobody can hit it hard and soft at the same time, and still carry a melody, like this 70-year-old boogie minimalist.
Comments
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By Tim
February 23, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
A very well-written and accurate appraisal of a great artist. Thank you. Tim (from the UK)
By Willvis
February 25, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
I just heard the record and yes it’s just like every other JJ Cale record I’ve ever heard——groovy, fun, deep, so good its…Weird.
JJ Cale is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
By Fidel
February 26, 2010 2:06 PM | Link to this
Nice, personal review. Thanks.
A J. J. Cale aficionado, from Xalapa, Ver., México.