Search - J.J. Cale :: Naturally

Music History: Clapton's and Knofler's Mentor

Bruce Boatner | Eagle, Idaho USA | 07/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you think "They Call Me The Breeze" sounds exactly like "Lay Down Sally" it's no accident. Clapton openly credits J.J. Cale with much of his "shuffle" influence. Likewise Knofler, though "Really" was probably his favorite album. This album is straight out of the 70's and very home-made sounding. They actually used a wooden Coke case as an percussion instrument. The engineering is poor, but adequate. Lots of things jump out when they could have been much better handled. We didn't care much in those days, but now it can be jarring. J.J.'s "Really" album is the other great opus, and most of the songs are better engineered, with real studio musicians (fantastic piano and bass & better drums). J.J. is not better known because he didn't WANT to be better known. At one concert where he was sitting in on guitar he almost fell off his stool when the spotlight landed on him. Important music history here."

JJ Cale is heaven on earth

Emma Kaufmann | Baltimore, MD United States | 04/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there was a God JJ Cale would be a superstar bigger than Michael Jackson. Instead he is a relatively well kept secret. He sings in a way that makes each song seem as if he is singing it personally, to you, on his front porch, as the sun goes down. He is soulful, his songs moody, meaningful, and full of emotion. If you prefer the sentiment in your blues slapped on with a trowel try the overrated 'slow hands' Eric Clapton. If you like blues that'll make the hairs on your neck stand up as well as touch your heart try Naturally. JJ Cale is a genius. There is nothing more to add."

Should be an "Essential Recording"

Bruce Boatner | 11/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Discovering Cale is like stumbling on a diamond. Maybe more like stumbling on a diamond mine because he has been quietly producing gems for almost 30 years now. I would be hard pressed to think of a musician who has produced more great work to less acclaim than Cale.This album will slip into your collection like a pair of ten-year old jeans (that still fit). At least two of these songs helped make careers for other artists but none could be done as well as Cale himself does them. He IS the breeze."