Customer Reviews

To Tulsa & Back

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cale is an example of a irony who has many victims in the history of Rock and Blues, he belongs to a select group of musicians who has inspired many of the people you probably admired but never receive the recognition than those who learned from the master. In Cale's case the two most famous instances of this are, undoubtedly Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton -the latter even saying once in an interview that he felt he was the closest thing a British musician can get to Cale, and who turned huge hits out of JJ's "Cocaine" and "After Midnight.
This album finds Cale back in great form and, after several years of not visiting a studio, just as laidback and sensual in his playing as in some of his classics from years past. What you can expect is his trademark tasteful picking, solos that say everything they need to say with hardly half of the notes used by the average aspiring "guitar god," and a voice that will not necessarily stir you yet it's exactly the way to sing whatever song he's singing.
So, no surprises here, no experimenting with new sounds or genres nor the trite parade of guests who often appear and contribute more to an album's marketing but hardly anything to the songs they play in.
This is JJ Cale's unadulterated, bluesy mastery of the guitar, again accompanied by a tight band seasoned through his continued touring and playing like they are hanging out in Cale's living room. No pretense, no pyrotechnics, nothing but inspired playing some new great tunes.
For those who know Cale already, suffice to say that this is one of the albums they may be most satisfied having purchased. Listen to "New Lover," "Stone River" or "The Problem" -probably his most political song to date- for proof of that. For something somewhat different, you may try "Rio" which is touched by some Brazilian overtones but one hundred percent Cale, or "Blues for Mama" which is likely to be one of his slow and sensuous best songs in along time.
Where so many people out there lose themselves trying to change to attract new fans, Cale again chooses to remain himself, to do what he does well, and returns to form-in vintage Cale's style- without even breaking a sweat.

There can be no doubt that Cale has not only returned; he seems to have spent the past 8 years soaking in his own creative juices and come up with one of his career's most mature and consistent efforts. It is often said that few can listen to Cale without hearing Clapton's voice. Even though Cale has profited handsomely from Clapton's covers of "Cocaine" and "After Midnight," it is rather tragic that Cale's music is rarely spoken of without Clapton's name being dropped (as even the Amazon review above demonstrates). But how doubly unfortunate it is to suggest that Cale's very sound -- a profoundly distinctive slice of Americana -- is indistinguishable from Clapton's. Even Clapton's most devoted fans have to admit that the man is increasingly struggling to fuse his music with just a scrap of soul. As the Amazon review aptly observes, Cale's refusal to inflate his already gargantuan reputation throughout the music industry by chucking out some substanceless, star-studded extravaganza is as strong a testament as anything to the man's authenticity. While Clapton fills the liner notes of his albums with a catalog of iconic merchandise, Cale delivers an album as immediate in its music as it is lacking in the kind of haughty self-promotion and laurel-resting so characteristic of Clapton. As acts like Van Morrison, Skynyrd or the Rolling Stones drift farther from the glories they cashed in on, Cale, like Neil Young, continues to deliver a sound and energy every bit as crisp now as it was back in the "Troubador" days. Performances like "My Gal," the divine "Chains of Love" and the smoky thump of "One Step" are surpassed not by past efforts but by the surprisingly political "The Problem" which, unlike so much political drivel we endure from the mouths of rock stars, is as intense musically as it is in message. Yet how fitting it seems that the guy whose career displays no concern whatever for fame or money ends up writing some of the era's most timely and impassioned political commentary. Politics is the very LAST thing I'm hoping for when popping in a JJ Cale record, but here he finds a way to present even this startling shift of focus in such a way that it blends effortlessly into the seductive swamp of sound that is "To Tulsa and Back." After a few attentive listens, there is no way that Cale fans will be disappointed with this record, and many of these songs are so strong that Cale may even win himself a few converts. At 60-something and counting, that's no mean feat, no matter who you are.

I'd call this Cale's best since Troubador from 1976. JJ went To Tulsa And Back to record this harder-edged collection. It contains unargueably some of his best laid-back tunes, that harken back to JJ's early Shelter years albums, like Naturally, Really and Okie. JJ used some of his hometown pals to record about half of these new songs in Tulsa, and the results sounds great! "Blues For Mama" is a must for any blues fan, with its melancholy melody, moanfully wailing guitar licks and from-the-gut vocal. "New Lover" is an energetic rocker led by Cale's driving guitar, and it screams, "Oh Eric, book some studio time". "The Problem" (a political message) is destined to be a Cale classic, with his coarse whispery vocal, and acidic lead guitar, fueled along by that incredible Tulsa Sound. Aware of life on the streets, JJ gives us a view of a pair living it in "Homeless". Another favorite on this cd is "Fancy Dancer", one of those rhythmic tunes that you can't sit still to. JJ Cale delivered a gem this time... get a copy!
Cale is out on one of his rare tours, so don't miss a legend!

Very impressive!
I expected another really good album worth many listens,
but this is far more than what was anticipated.
Never under-estimate the real J.J. Cale....

This is a nice trip back to Tulsa

I highly recommend "To Tulsa And Back" and will have mine spinning for a long time to come.

thanks for the ride J.J.!!

I'll see you on tour!!!!!!!!!

This is without any doubt the best CD by J J Cale.He released a new album after a long time but this is worth the wait.I always had great respect for this man and after listening to this album I must say he's one of the living legends of 21st Century.This album showcases another side of this man.Overall this album is like a Greatest Hits,with different kind of tunes put together and his wonderful ability to mix Blues,country and Folk into Rock surpasses his earlier efforts.The first few songs have the Classic Cale sound.He introduces Synthesizer in some later songs and drumming machine is a new element also in this album.But this CD showcases his awesome singing and songwriting talents.This man is a good singer,poet and guitarist.I must say he has given wonderful messages through the down to earth yet poetic lyrics of the songs in this album.The guitar playing is solid throughout the album,some classic J J Cale bluesy guitar licks(lead) and awesome folksy rhythm guitar(acoustic)in most of the songs.All songs are good and has different sounds.My personal favourites are "Chains of Love"(it has wonderful country rhythm and lead guitar),the haunting ballad "Homeless"(this song will be a favourite of anyone),the awesome bluesy fully acoustic song "Stone River",The Political meassage giving song "The Problem"(it showcases how thoughful J J cale is about Social Issues)and soulful "Blues for Mama".The surprising element is the last song.Fortunately I got a copy of the French Edition of this CD and got the Bonus 13th song called "Another Song" which is not present in the American Edition of the CD.This song is J J Cale as a Folk singer,just a Banjo and his warm voice,a wonderful Traditional Kinda Folk song.That song is just awesome.J J cale plays wonderful Banjo.He has played Guitar,Synthesizer and Banjo is this album.And his voice is getting better with age,just too good.And songwriting is top notch with awesome music and guitar playing.Just get it folks,this is the man who's creating the classic vintage 70's sound(maybe with little twist in some songs) in this 21st century.This is a record for lovers of serious music and a purely artistic record made from the core of heart in this age of commercial music.Long live J J Cale,we are proud to have you!

As the saying goes, "The only things for sure are death and taxes" and the consistent quality of JJ Cale albums.
Sure there are some albums I prefer over others but when I look at my out of 5 ratings for JJ's albums they are all 4 or 5.
Its like going into that same coffee bar because you know damn well that the quality and taste of their coffee is gonna be of the same high standard everyday.
Buy it......you cant go wrong.

J.J. is "one of a kind". His music is deep, soulful and spirited! This is not to say that music does not offer such sentiments, but his touch, is genius! "Back to Tulsa" is vintage Cale.

J.J. has done it again. Distinctly J.J. but once again with some great new sounds - this one is as fresh as ever. Is this his best yet? - could well be. Right from the kick off,"My Gal","Chains of Love","New Lover" and on and on. A must have for Foot Tapping Guitar Fans.

I can listen to J.J. Cale night and day and never get enough. I enjoy all kinds and styles of music but this guy rates towards the top. This cd is 5 stars all the way. If you like Clapton and Knopfler mixed with blues and a soulful voice, you are going to like this cd and J.J. Cale.

Great music for a relaxing sunny day at the beach. Despite some serious themes in the lyrics, you can put a smile on your face, have your favorite beverage or whatever, and kick back for the sunset. Having owned Clapton's 461 Ocean Blvd. album for 20 years, I see why people compare Cale to Clapton, though it should be the other way around. Great album from start to finish.