Though he never seemed young, it’s still a shock to realise that JJ Cale is 65. But, like the breeze in his song, he keeps blowing down the road. Since regular producer Audie Ashworth quit the saloon, Cale has returned to his Tulsa roots, teaming up with a bunch of old-timers for a session of city blues and country, leavened with the light touch of an old master. Cale doesn’t often stray from his territory; the likes of “My Gal” and “Blues For Mama” are Okie without being hokey. But he’s also included a deft eco song, “Stone River”, and the wryly apolitical “The Problem”, so there’s plenty of light and shade here.
Advertisement