Search - J.J. Cale :: To Tulsa and Back

While some artists feel the need to reinvent themselves on a regular basis or to throw together records chockfull of guest stars in order to revive flagging careers, J.J. Cale remains content to continue his reign as king of the laid-back guitar groove. Anyone who thinks it is easy to continually wring new permutations out of the back-porch choogle--Cale's calling card for near three decades--should try it some time. A little violin ("My Gal"), a stab of horns ("Chains of Love"), or some vibraphone tones ("New Lover") is all he needs to freshen the mix. While artists like Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd have scored by adding testosterone to Cale's tunes, they would be the first to admit that his music is no less potent for being more relaxed. In fact, it's the off-hand manner in which he presents his political tunes--"Stone River" (ecology), "The Problem" (the President), and "Homeless"--that gives them their poetry and power. --Michael Ross