Customer Reviews

Jj Cale Live

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Questions arise when considering that this is the first live album issued by one of rock's most brilliant guitarists. One wonders what we might have heard had he released a live album in his prime, after the release of 1976's "Troubadour." But, like plenty other squandered opportunities at greatness in Cale's notoriously complacent career, it just happens that, three decades into it, he issues his first live album. However, this live set demonstrates that Cale has aged very well, as the album contains a handful of the most brilliant live performances in rock history.

Like Richard Thompson, every time JJ Cale delivers the kind of performance that critics and fans are always promising, some people, such as myself, are left wondering "well, why can't he do more of that?" JJ Cale's absolutely riveting solo performance of After Midnight on this live CD is just such a circumstance. It is one of the most memorable live performances by a formidable artist in rock history. Perhaps I am one of those insatiably selfish hardcore fans, but after hearing that performance, I could not help but entertain fantasies of a solo JJ Cale tour. When he is joined by a bass player on Old Man, the result is just as powerfully raw, and when he is joined by the band on Call Me The Breeze and Sensitive Kind, it seems as though this is one of the most fantastic live rock albums ever.

However, the live rendition of Cocaine is unfortunately uninspired and adds nothing to the studio version. Money Talks, River Boat Song, Mama Don't and Humdinger are cluttered with background noise, the audience just never stops screaming. While this is to be expected of a live album, the crowd's boisterous antics is a stark contrast to the powerfully clean sound delivered on the first four songs, and when it endures for nearly the rest of the album, it becomes exasperating.

Nonetheless, the bursts of brilliance that punch through the album's quieter moments are well-worth the price, and if this CD contained nothing but the first four songs, it would still be worth the price, as they are four of the most memorable live rock performances ever. Another potential mishap here is that these live sets were recorded upon the release of Cale's most recent albums, 1994's Closer To You and 1996's Guitar Man. Not one song form either album appears on this live CD. So, as always with JJ Cale, fans must take the good with the what-might-have-been, and thankfully, that has always proved to be a rewarding exchange.

I saw two of the concerts from which came the songs on this album. I still remember JJ playing After Midnight accustically and then the band joining him one by one, and then, at the end, leaving the stage one by one during Mama Don't. Perhaps for this sentiments I love this album. The sound is less perfect than the studio records (except of the first 4 tracks) and Cocaine is a bit funny. But JJ has an amazing instinct to make all of his music sound exceptional, and - as the rest of his work - this album is highly recommended.

yeah, this is a live album; yeah, crowd noise... but it is an exceptionally well-engineered and mastered live album. Ignore the 'zon reviews which complain about irrationally exuberant bass and drums... if you have good equipment, speakers, and cables, and you are a JJ person, you'll like this album... no ifs, ands, or buts!

*****

There are some great artists who can sound (even) better in live performance, and my supposition that this might prove true of JJ Cale is amply vindicated by this album. Having enjoyed the 'To Tulsa and Back' DVD, I had high expectations of this album, and these expectations were more than fulfilled.

Released in 2001, 'JJ Cale Live' is a collection of fourteen tracks recorded at various venues in the US and Europe between 1990 and 1996. Cale's best-known compositions are here - 'After Midnight', 'Call Me The Breeze', 'Cocaine' - but there are some excellent if lesser-known tracks too.

I've been very surprised to read some criticism of the recording quality of this album, because to me it seems extremely crisp, and is indeed better recorded than many a studio album.

'Mama Don't' is an interesting point of comparison, because the original track (on the excellent 'Shades' album) was itself a live recording, but the version included here is appreciably better, in my opinion. The musicianship - and most especially Cale's guitar work - are superb here. Sound-wise, the only shortcoming here might be that audience participation is a little intrusive, but this seems to capture the essential atmosphere of the live gigs.

This is a very good album and, since it is (so far as I'm aware) Cale's only live release, it's an essential addition to the collection.

I used to see JJ at PB Scott's Music Hall in Blowing Rock, NC back in the late 70's. This live CD took me back to those shows-his guitar sound is right on-round, rolling and pure JJ. I was wondering why they didn't mix the disc to sound like one show, even though they are tunes from different shows from the early 90's. Hearing JJ's sound you can really get his influence on Clapton and Knopler-what a true pioneer he is with his song-writing and subtle zen guitar.You will like this disc in the car, especially Call Me the Breeze!

It's supposed to be a LIVE recording, not a studio recording. Even though the tracks come from different shows, they could have easily synched the tracks together. The songs and playing are pure J.J. Cale, laidback and more laidback, very nice. The production leaves a lot to be desired though.

J.J. Cale's first ever live album opens with an atmospheric solo performance of "After Midnight", and an almost Mississippi John Hurt-like "Old Man", both of them recorded at Carnegie Hall.
But just when you think you got him figured out, Cale pulls a driving rock n' roll-like rendition of "Call Me The Breeze" out of his hat, one which (to me, at least) is far better than the original studio recording. And it goes on like that, with Cale's smooth and pristine guitar solos gracefully unfurling on low-key acoustic numbers and band-backed rockers alike.

Classics like "Cocaine", "Magnolia" and "After Midnight" are here, of course, but lesser-known songs like the loping, melodic "River Boat Song" and the country-rock shuffle "Living Here Too" are often just as memorable.
Cale exudes confidence all the way through, and this album is one of the most enjoyable (and accessible) in the idiosyncratic singer-songwriters catalogue; a must-have for fans and a really good place to start if you're new to Jean Jacques Cale of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
"J.J. Cale Live" is roots-rock for grownups.
Definitely recommended.

Bought this CD some 3 years ago, played it once and was not impressed at first so didn't really play it again. Pulled it out recently, put the cans on, turned up the volume and from the intro "Ladies and Gentlemen - Mr. J.J.Cale" I was now immersed in a true live concert. Yes the music is not perfect (if you want perfect go and see a modern group miming to their latest CD), but it has atmosphere, excitement and soul. After all you probably got the studio version of most of the tracks anyway - so on a live version you want something different (warts and all). A good example is "Call me the Breeze", a nice jogger on the studio version but real rocker on this Album.

Go for it - this a must have album

Other than that this only live cd available by JJ Cale will do just fine.
It's cool to have!
I listen to it regularly and I have thousands of cd's, records and tapes. I guess it comes down to preference.
As for the other reviewer who asks that JJ Cale stand up -
JJ Cale has been there the whole time and looks like you missed it! Which is the beauty of JJ Cale.........

I've purchased JJ Cale studio albums/cds and have heard several live concert recordings.

This CD gives us a great quality recording of a live JJ Cale performance.

If you like JJ Cale, this will not disappoint.

My only disappointment is that his tours never came through Eugene, OR when I lived there and don't seem to come through Maui so I can't experience his show firsthand.

Well, vicariously through this recording is better than nothing!