Eric Clapton FAQ by David Bowling

Author:David Bowling
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: biography, music, musician, rock
Publisher: Backbeat
Published: 2013-09-17T16:00:00+00:00

The Road to Escondido

Clapton had recorded a number of J. J. Cale compositions through the years, including two of his signature songs, “After Midnight” and “Cocaine.” The original intent had been for Cale to produce an album for Clapton, which quickly evolved into a dual project. It took a while, but The Road to Escondido was finally released on November 7, 2006. It reached #50 in the United States and #23 in England, receiving sales awards in both countries. It won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Cale and Clapton were brothers of the blues, although their approaches were different. Cale was always understated, while Clapton would travel from mellow to pyrotechnic.

The album contained superb guitar playing as Bramhall, Trucks, John Mayer, and Albert Lee all assisted the duo at various points.

“When the War Is Over” has a honky-tonk feel with some shuffle guitar thrown in for good measure. It was a nice melding of both of their styles. “Missing Person” has Cale and Clapton trading verses vocally before joining together on the chorus. If you want a guitar solo, check out “Who Am I Telling You.” “Don’t Cry Sister” contains some nice harmonizing by the pair.

Some other highlights to look for are Taj Mahal’s harmonica playing on “Sporting Life Blues,” a bluegrass sound on “Dead End Road,” and the catchy rhythms of “Danger.”

Cale wrote eleven of the fourteen tracks, and the album reflects his overall influence. “Clapton’s “Three Little Girls” sounds more like a Cale composition than his own.

The Road to Escondido is not groundbreaking or earth-shattering. It is comfortable, restrained, and ultimately enjoyable. While the sound is closer to Cale’s, it is nevertheless a welcome addition to the Clapton catalog. It is a reminder of just how adaptable Clapton could be as this bluesy/folk type collaboration remains an outstanding album for both of the participants.

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