In recent years, the blues have undergone a fairly unprecedented comeback. Between Clapton and more recent John Mayer albums, there was a huge gulf in time since the blues were in their prime. I think this is due to some recent focus given to one of the fathers of modern blues, J.J. Cale.
When John Mayer released Paradise Valley, he featured a cover of an old J.J. Cale track Call Me The Breeze. He went on to perform this live on British TV, on Live With Jools Holland. After this performance, tributes to Cale were appearing left right and centre. Just a year or so later, Eric Clapton is collaborating with Mayer, Dire Straight’s Mark Knopler and more to produce Eric Clapton & Friends: The Breeze - An Appreciation of JJ Cale, featuring covers of all of J.J. Cale’s big hitters with a modern day recording quality.
However, for me, all these new recordings have sent me backwards. As much as I love The Breeze, the only way to get the authentic blues - and J.J. Cale - experience, is to go back and listen to the original material. There’s only so much covers can offer, if you’re after the real deal, then you need the character of the original recordings.
If you’re a blues fan, but new to J.J. Cale - not sure how this can exist but I’m sure it’s out there - compilations could be the best place to start. I’d wholeheartedly recommend The Very Best of J.J. Cale. Paying particular attention to Call Me The Breeze, After Midnight, Lies and Cocaine, will give you an indication as to why Cale was at the forefront of blues innovation.
For those looking for the most authentic experience, Cale’s old vinyls are the way to go. Consider yourself warned though, these things are like gold dust and you’ll definitely end up paying a premium for them. A worthwhile premium, but a premium nonetheless.
