In 2004 Eric Clapton held a three day festival in Dallas, Texas, called The Crossroads Guitar Festival, which featured J.J. Cale. This gave Clapton the opportunity to ask Cale to produce an album for him. The two started working together and eventually decided to record together. A number of high profile musicians also agreed to work on the album, including Billy Preston, Pino Palladino, Derek Trucks, Taj Mahal, John Mayer, and Doyle Bramhall II.
The 14 track CD, entitled the Road to Escondido, was produced and recorded by the duo in August 2005 in California. The resulting music defies being labeled into any one category, but instead finds influence across the spectrum of blues, rock, country and folk. A hybrid sound that is unique musically, while still bearing the signature styles of Cale and Clapton recognized by fans around the world. The songs are warm and rich, with deep flowing rhythms, yet use an economy of words to express much. |
