The Road to Escondido
Studio album by
J. J. Cale and Eric Clapton
Released7 November 2006
RecordedAugust 2005
StudioLos Angeles, California[1]
GenreBlues, blues rock, Tulsa Sound
Length57:05
LabelDuck / Reprise
Producer
  • J.J. Cale
  • Eric Clapton
  • Simon Climie
J. J. Cale chronology
To Tulsa and Back
(2004)		 The Road to Escondido
(2006)		 Rewind: The Unreleased Recordings
(2007)
Eric Clapton chronology
Back Home
(2005)		 The Road to Escondido
(2006)		 Complete Clapton
(2007)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
All About Jazz[2]
AllMusic[3]
Classic Rock[4]
Contactmusic[5]
Glide Magazine[6]
The Music Box[7]
Paste(favourable)[8]
Slant Magazine[9]
Twisted Ear[10]
J. J. Cale and Eric Clapton.

The Road to Escondido is a collaborative studio album by J. J. Cale and Eric Clapton. It was released on 7 November 2006. Contained on this album are the final recordings of keyboardist Billy Preston. The album is jointly dedicated to Preston and Brian Roylance.

In 2004, Eric Clapton held the Crossroads Guitar Festival, a three-day festival in Dallas, Texas. Among the performers was J. J. Cale, giving Clapton the opportunity to ask Cale to produce an album for him. The two started working together and eventually decided to record an album. A number of high-profile musicians also agreed to work on the album, including Billy Preston, Derek Trucks, Taj Mahal, Pino Palladino, John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Doyle Bramhall II. In a coup, whether intended or not, the entire John Mayer Trio participated on this album in one capacity or another.

Escondido is a city in San Diego County near Cale's home at the time located in the small, unincorporated town of Valley Center, California. Eric Clapton owned a mansion in Escondido in the 1980s and early '90s. The road referenced in the album's title is named Valley Center Road. It runs from Valley Center to Escondido. Cale and Clapton thought it would be a good name for the album because it connected the two locales.

The album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2008.

Background

Cale first came into Clapton's orbit in the late sixties when he heard Cale's obscure 1966 Liberty single "Slow Motion", which featured "After Midnight" as the B-side. Clapton copied the arrangement of "After Midnight" and scored a radio hit with it in 1970. Cale, who worked for a time as an engineer in Leon Russell's home studio in Los Angeles for a few years, was barely making ends meet in Tulsa when the song became a hit. Cale recalled to Mojo magazine that when he heard Clapton's version playing on his radio, "I was dirt poor, not making enough to eat and I wasn't a young man. I was in my thirties, so I was very happy. It was nice to make some money."[11] Clapton then recorded other Cale songs, such as the 1977 hit "Cocaine", and the songwriting royalties earned from artists like Clapton covering his songs enabled Cale to have a comfortable, if not commercially successful, recording career. In a 2014 interview with NPR, Clapton spoke about Cale's influence on his music:

What seemed to evolve out of the '60s and into the '70s and then, in another way, the '80s — heavy metal came out of all of this stuff — was, like, volume and proficiency and virtuosity. There didn't seem to be any reasonable limit to that; it was just crazy. I wanted to go in the other direction and try to find a way to make it minimal, but still have a great deal of substance. That was the essence of J.J.'s music to me, apart from the fact that he summed up so many of the different essences of American music: rock and jazz and folk, blues. He just seemed to have an understanding of it all.[12]

Clapton, who toured with Delaney & Bonnie in 1969, recalled in the 2005 documentary To Tulsa and Back, "Delaney Bramlett is the one that was responsible to get me singing. He was the one who turned me on to the Tulsa community. Bramlett produced my first solo album and "After Midnight" was on it, and those [Tulsa] players played on it. I mean, the first part of my solo career was really tailored on Cale's philosophy. I mean, 461 Ocean Boulevard was my kind of homage to J.J."

Despite their association in the public's mind, the pair had rarely socialized or played together over the years, but in 2004 Clapton invited Cale to perform at his Crossroads Festival in Dallas. Cale, who was coming off an eight-year hiatus with the release of To Tulsa and Back, accepted, and it was during this period that Clapton asked him to produce his next album, which blossomed into a full-fledged collaboration.

Recording

Cale wrote 11 of the 14 tracks on the album, with two cuts, "Any Way the Wind Blows" and "Don't Cry Sister", being re-recordings of songs that Cale recorded previously in the seventies. Vocally, the pair's singing styles are so symbiotic on the album that they are nearly indistinguishable, with Stephen Thomas Erlewine observing in his AllMusic review that the LP "reveals exactly how much Clapton learned from Cale's singing; their timbre and phrasing is nearly identical, to the point that it's frequently hard to discern who is singing when. Disconcerting this may be, but it's hardly bad, since it never feels like Clapton is copying Cale; instead, it shows their connection, that they're kindred spirits." Musically the tone is relaxed and casual, a mix of bluesy grooves and up-tempo boogies that play to the duo's strengths. The fiddle-driven "Dead End Road", the galloping "Any Way the Wind Blows", and the optimistic "Ride the River" exude the general vibe of camaraderie that permeates the recordings, while Clapton's "Three Little Girls" speaks to the bliss of domestic life. The Brownie McGhee cover "The Sporting Life" and the seen-it-all minor blues "Hard to Thrill" (composed by Clapton and John Mayer) display the pair's tasteful guitar licks and vocals.

Reception

AllMusic: "It's relaxed and casual in the best possible sense: it doesn't sound lazy, it sounds lived-in, even with [Simon] Climie's too-clean production, and that vibe - coupled with Cale's sturdy songs - makes this an understated winner." David Fricke of Rolling Stone wrote the LP "has the natural glow and nimble jump of a house-party jam."[13]

Track listing

All songs by J. J. Cale except where noted.

  1. "Danger" – 5:34
  2. "Heads in Georgia" – 4:12
  3. "Missing Person" – 4:26
  4. "When This War Is Over" – 3:49
  5. "Sporting Life Blues" (Brownie McGhee) – 3:31
  6. "Dead End Road" – 3:30
  7. "It's Easy" – 4:19
  8. "Hard to Thrill" (Eric Clapton, John Mayer) – 5:11
  9. "Anyway the Wind Blows" – 3:56
  10. "Three Little Girls" (Clapton) – 2:44
  11. "Don't Cry Sister" – 3:10
  12. "Last Will and Testament" – 3:57
  13. "Who Am I Telling You?" – 4:08
  14. "Ride the River" – 4:35

Personnel

Musicians

Production

  • Eric Clapton – producer, album cover concept
  • J. J. Cale – producer, mixing
  • Simon Climie – co-producer, Pro Tools engineer
  • Alan Douglas – recording, mixing
  • Jimmy Hoyson – assistant engineer
  • Phillippe Rose – assistant engineer
  • Brian Vibberts – assistant engineer
  • Mick Guzauski – mixing
  • Tom Bender – mix assistant
  • Joel Evenden – Pro Tools assistant
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering at Gateway Mastering (Portland, ME)
  • Bushbranch – management for Eric Clapton
  • Mike Kappus – management for J. J. Cale
  • Lee Dickson – guitar technician
  • Debbie Johnson – studio coordinator (Los Angeles)
  • Catherine Roylance – art direction, design
  • David McClister – location photography
  • Nathan East – additional studio photography
  • Christine Lakeland – additional studio photography
  • Jim Karstein – additional studio photography
  • Nigel Carroll – personal assistant to Eric Clapton, additional studio photography

Chart performance

Certifications

Sales certifications for The Road to Escondido
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[54] Gold 15,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[55] Platinum 40,000^
Germany (BVMI)[56] Platinum 200,000^
Japan — 47,000[57]
Netherlands (NVPI)[58] Gold 35,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[59] Platinum 15,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[60] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[61] Silver 60,000^
United States (RIAA)[62] Gold 500,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ↑ "The Road To Escondido (with lyrics)". jjcale.org.
  2. ↑ Collette, Doug (14 December 2006). "J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road To Escondido (2006)". All About Jazz. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  3. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (2011). "The Road to Escondido – J.J. Cale | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  4. ↑ Martin, Gavin (December 2006). "JJ Cale and Eric Clapton The Road To Escondido". Classic Rock. pp. 90–91.
  5. ↑ Rea, Mike (21 November 2006). "JJ Cale and Eric Clapton The Road to Escondido Album Review". Contactmusic. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  6. ↑ Rooks, Jason (8 December 2006). "J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road to Escondido". Glide Magazine. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  7. ↑ Metzger, John (December 2006). "J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road to Escondido (Album Review)". The Music Box (vol. 13, no. 12). Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ↑ Beta, Andy (23 January 2007). "J.J. Cale: JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road …". Paste. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  9. ↑ Jones, Preston (22 November 2006). "Album Review: JJ Cale & Eric Clapton The Road To Escondido". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  10. ↑ Huff, Philip D. (2011). "Twisted Ear – J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road to Escondido". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  11. ↑ "After Midnight by Eric Clapton Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  12. ↑ Westervelt, Eric (26 July 2014). "eric-clapton-and-j-j-cale-notes-on-a-friendship". NPR. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  13. ↑ Westervelt, Eric (2006). "Eric Clapton Teams Up With 'Cocaine' Writer J.J. Cale for New Disc". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  14. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  15. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Ultratop.be – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "Ultratop.be – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  18. ↑ "Danishcharts.dk – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  19. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  20. ↑ "JJ Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road To Escondido" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  21. ↑ "Lescharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  22. ↑ "Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline" (in German). Musicline.de. Phononet GmbH. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  23. ↑ "Ελληνικό Chart". FPI Greece. Archived from the original on 8 December 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  24. ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2006. 45. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  25. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography JJ Cale". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  26. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  27. ↑ "J.J.ケイル&エリック・クラプトン". Oricon Charts (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  28. ↑ "Charts.nz – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  29. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  30. ↑ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  31. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  32. ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  33. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  34. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  35. ↑ "Eric Clapton | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  36. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 50 (2006/11/12)". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  37. ↑ "Official Physical Albums Chart Top 100 (2006/11/12)". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  38. ↑ "J.J. Cale Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  39. ↑ "J.J. Cale Chart History (Digital Albums)". Billboard.
  40. ↑ "The Road to Escondido – J.J. Cale, Eric Clapton – Awards". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  41. ↑ "J.J. Cale Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard.
  42. ↑ "J.J. Cale Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard.
  43. ↑ "Alben 2006 Österreich" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  44. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2006". MegaCharts (in Dutch). DutchCharts. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  45. ↑ "Alben 2006 Deutschland" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  46. ↑ "Alben 2006 Norwegen" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  47. ↑ "Årslista Album – År 2006" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  48. ↑ "Alben 2006 Schweiz" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  49. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2007". MegaCharts (in Dutch). DutchCharts. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  50. ↑ "Alben 2007 Deutschland" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  51. ↑ "Top Selling Albums of 2007". The Official New Zealand Music Chart. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  52. ↑ "Alben 2007 Schweiz" (in German). Chartsurfer.de. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  53. ↑ "J.J. Cale – Chart history". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  54. ↑ "Austrian album certifications – JJ Cale, Eric Clapton – Road to Escondido" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  55. ↑ "Danish album certifications – Eric Clapton & J.J. Cale – The Road to Escondido" (in Danish). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry Denmark. Archived from the original on 13 October 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  56. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton; 'The Road To Escondido')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  57. ↑ Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 (in Japanese). Roppongi, Tokyo: biglobe.ne.jp. 2006. ISBN 4-87131-077-9. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2021. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  58. ↑ "Dutch album certifications – J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 16 August 2021. Enter The Road To Escondido in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 2007 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  59. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – JJ Cale and Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  60. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('The Road To Escondido')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  61. ↑ "British album certifications – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road To Escondido". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  62. ↑ "American album certifications – JJ Cale & Eric Clapton – The Road to Escondido". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
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