[Slowhand] "THE ROAD TO ESCONDIDO"

[Scott Wallenberg]

Guitar Legends Cale and Clapton Unite for an Epic, Soulful CD Release "THE 
ROAD TO ESCONDIDO" Album Available November 7, 2006
Distribution Source : Market Wire

Date : Thursday, September 14, 2006


NEW YORK, NY -- (Market Wire - Sep 14, 2006) --  After years of admiring 
each other's musical masterworks and Clapton covers of Cale songs such as 
"After Midnight" and "Cocaine," guitar greats J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton 
have teamed up for the first time to create an original album together, "The 
Road To Escondido." The 14-track CD 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.

In a true collaboration, Cale and Clapton jointly produced and recorded the 
album, each playing and singing on the tracks. Cale wrote 11 of the songs, 
Clapton wrote "Three Little Girls," John Mayer wrote "Hard To Thrill" and 
the duo cover the blues classic "Sporting Life Blues." J.J. Cale's touring 
band accompanies them on the album as well as guest musicians including, Taj 
Mahal, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Albert Lee, Nathan East, 
Willie Weeks and Steve Jordan. Particularly special is the involvement of 
Billy Preston, who donated his classic keyboard talents throughout the 
album. The album is dedicated to Preston and Clapton's late friend Brian 
Roylance.





"Eric and I have known each other for a long time and it was a great 
experience to finally make a record together -- he's a great musician and it 
was a pleasure to work so closely on this project with him," said J.J. Cale.

"This was the realization of what may have been my last ambition, to work 
with the man whose music has inspired me for as long as I can remember, 
there are not enough words for me to describe what he represents to me, 
musically and personally, and anyway I wouldn't want to embarrass him by 
going overboard, for he is a truly humble man... I think it's enough to say 
that we had fun, made a great record, and I for one already want to make 
another," said Eric Clapton.

Clapton has often said that he has tried to achieve the J.J. Cale sound and 
has credited Cale with singular influence over his style as a solo artist. 
Mojo Magazine asked Clapton in 2000 which other musician he would most like 
to be, his response was quick: "I don't model myself on him but I like J.J. 
Cale, his philosophy, writing skills, musicianship. He's a fine, superior 
musician, one of the masters of the last three decades of music."

J.J. Cale is known for being reclusive. He lets his music speak for itself 
and by his own choice has not become famous in the conventional terms of the 
word. Instead, preferring to shun the spotlight for a more simple existence 
based on his musical creations. Ironically, doing just that, and focusing on 
his music, has turned him into a guitar legend over the past four decades. 
The depth of his influence can be felt in artists such as Clapton and Mark 
Knopfler, but the sheer breadth of his appeal is made clear by the diverse 
group of artists who have covered his songs from Johnny Cash, Lynyrd 
Skynyrd, and The Allman Brothers to Bryan Ferry, Deep Purple, Santana and 
more recently jam bands like Widespread Panic.

Cale grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and cites Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Chuck 
Berry as some of his earliest influences. He is often quoted as saying, "In 
trying to imitate them, I missed it. And I came up with my own kinda thing." 
And so, Cale began playing the local Tulsa club scene in the early 1950s 
surrounded by other natives such as David Gates (Bread) and Leon Russell. 
After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-60s, he recorded the song "After 
Midnight."

Already an accomplished guitarist with bands such as the Yardbirds, Cream 
and Blind Faith, Clapton ventured to a solo career with the release of his 
1970 self-titled "Eric Clapton" album. Mutual friend Delaney Bramlett had 
given Clapton a copy of Cale's song "After Midnight." Clapton decided to 
cover the song and it was the first single from the album. The song became a 
chart-topping success. Clapton was quick to offer praise for Cale's work 
while promoting the album. Cale had been told of the cover but has said that 
he didn't pay much attention until the song came on the radio in Tulsa.

Years later, in April 1976, Cale was performing at London's Hammersmith 
Odeon in support of his "Troubadour" album release. Clapton sat in on the 
performance and later during that trip surprised Cale in the studio with a 
version of "Cocaine" that would appear on his 1977 "Slowhand" release. Again 
becoming a chart-topping success.

In the years to follow, the two would occasionally cross paths, but would 
largely carry on with their respective musical careers. Until 2004 when 
Clapton was organizing a Dallas-based guitar festival called Crossroads. The 
3-day festival featured the world's most elite guitarists. Clapton invited 
Cale to perform at the festival and Cale agreed to attend. In turn, Cale 
invited Clapton on-stage for the set and Clapton gladly joined, unannounced, 
for the entire set as a member of Cale's band. The set was a highlight of 
the performances from the festival.

Crossroads gave Clapton an opportunity to ask Cale to consider producing an 
upcoming album for him. If Clapton had been seeking to replicate the 
trademark Cale sound, having him as producer on an album would surely 
achieve that unique musical quality. As the two worked on the project, 
creative ideas took flight and they decided to take the project further 
formulating a true co-produced album. "The Road To Escondido" marks the 
first full-length album the two have created together.

Cale's entire 40-plus year career has produced only 13 albums. But most 
critics agree that each effort is well worth the wait. Lauded by his peers 
and completely unfazed by musical fads, J.J. Cale is an American icon, a 
craftsman like no other.

Clapton's career, also spanning more than 40 years, has resulted in 18 
Grammy Awards and the distinct honor of being the only triple inductee into 
the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARTISTS:

www.jjcalemusic.com

www.ericclapton.com

"The Road To Escondido" will be available November 7, 2006

ALBUM TRACK LISTING
"The Road To Escondido"
1.  Danger
2.  Heads in Georgia
3.  Missing Person
4.  When This War Is Over
5.  Sporting Life Blues
6.  Dead End Road
7.  It’s Easy
8.  Hard To Thrill
9.  Anyway The Wind Blows
10. Three Little Girls
11. Don’t Cry Sister
12. Last Will and Testament
13. Who Am I Telling You
14. Ride The River

MUSICIAN CREDITS:

Vocals and Guitars
J.J. Cale
Eric Clapton

Drums
Jim Karstein
James Cruce
Steve Jordan
Abraham Laboriel Junior

Bass
Gary Gilmore
Willie Weeks
Nathan East
Pino Palladino

Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer Piano
& Rhodes
Billy Preston

Acoustic Piano, Wurlitzer Piano & Rhodes
Walt Richmond

Keyboards
J.J. Cale

Guitars
Doyle Bramhall II
Derek Trucks
John Mayer
Albert Lee

Accoustic Guitar & Background Vocals
Christine Lakeland

Percussion
David Teegarden
James Cruce
Jim Karstein

Harmonica
Taj Mahal

Fiddle
Dennis Caplinger

Horns
Bruce Fowler
Marty Grebb
Steve Madaio
Jerry Peterson

ALBUM CREDITS:
Produced by:
Eric Clapton
J.J. Cale

Co-Produced by:
Simon Climie



Scott 
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