This anthology is compiled from NaturallySpeaking (4 tracks), Really (3 + 1 unreleased tracks from joint sessions), Okie (6 tracks), Troubador (4 + 1 unreleased tracks from joint sessions), 5 (4 + 1 unreleased tracks from seed sessions), Shades (3 tracks), Grasshopper (6 tracks), # 8 (5 tracks + 1 unreleased from same sessions), Travel-log (4 tracks), Number 10 (3 tracks), Closer To You (2 tracks) and a previously unreleased live track, all presented in chronological order.
JJ's breakthrough came via Eric Clapton's 1970 cover of After midnight, JJ Which originally recorded in the sixties, first as to instrumental track but later with vocals. The success of Eric Clapton's version led to JJ writing more songs for the album That Became NaturallySpeaking. The eye-catching picture raccoon apparently symbolizes JJ's elusiveness. The four tracks from NaturallySpeaking featured here (Call me the breeze, Crazy Mama, Magnolia and another re-recording of After Midnight) are wonderful and Their inclusion here is justified, but I was surprised thatthey did not include Clyde. Still, you can not include everything even on a double CD.
Plenty of people have covered JJ's songs, but JJ is happy thatthey DO. Eric Clapton has covered several of JJ's songs Following his early success with After midnight, but plenty of others have covered them too. JJ admits did his own music is too raw and rough around the edges for some people, who prefer a more mainstream sound. I like a lot of mainstream music, but I think there's something refreshing about listening to music in a very basic form of music.
With his limited vocal range and his raw musical style, JJ Cale's music may not appeal to everybody, but for Those Who enjoy his style, there is plenty to enthuse about here. If you have not got any of his music but you want some, this compilation Provides a great introduction to his music.
