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The guitar genius

J.J. Cale's guitar wizardry was an inspiration to many a musician

Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jean Jacques Cale began as a guitarist with a swing group in the 50s but moved to rock `n' roll, leading his own outfit, Johnnie Cale and The Valentines. After a failed foray into country music, Cale shifted to Los Angeles where he teamed up with compatriots Carl Radle, Leon Russell and Chuck Blackwell in 1964. While playing in bars and working as a studio engineer, his work went unnoticed. A Trip Down Sunset Strip, a psychedelic effort with lyricist Roger Tillison would subsequently become a favourite.

Commercially unsuccessful, Cale returned to his hometown in 1967, where his obscurity continued. When Eric Clapton recorded Cale's 1965 release After midnight, the recognition long overdue came the latter's way. "It was like discovering oil in your own backyard," said Cale. Naturally, his debut album in 1972 comprised a re-recording of After midnight in addition to the lilting Call me the breeze, Crazy mama and Magnolia. Okie and Troubadour were moderately successful but the latter featured Cale's own version of Cocaine, another track made famous by Clapton, the Slow hand, who also adapted Cale's I'll make love to you anytimeFor about six years, he lived in a mobile home outside L.A., surfacing with Travel-Log in 1989 that was vintage Cale, the 12-bar structure intact, his blues-laced lyrics laidback and his guitar style relaxed but rhythmic. It wasn't for nothing that Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, Johnny Cash and Captain Beefheart modelled their mumbly vocals in Cale's style from whose work they derived considerable influence.

While his followers may have outgrown him in fame, they would nonetheless look up to Cale for inspiration in guitar wizardry. For those wanting a taste of his delights, nothing like his 1997 album Anyway the wind blows to start with.

A. GEORGE ANTONY

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