J.J. Cale - Naturally

Black 180g Vinyl LP (MOVLP386)

In 1966, Cale cut an unsuccessful single for Liberty Records called "Slow Motion", but it was the B-side, "After Midnight", that would have long-term ramifications for Cale's career when Eric Clapton recorded the song and had a Top 20 hit. Cale, who was languishing in obscurity at the time, had no knowledge of Clapton's recording of "After Midnight" until it became a radio hit in 1970. Cale recalled this when he heard Clapton's version playing on his radio, "I was dirt poor, not making enough to eat and I wasn't a young man. I was in my thirties, so I was very happy. It was nice to make some money." Cale's friend and producer, Audie Ashworth, encouraged Cale to record a full album in order to capitalize on the success of his song.

The result is a near enough perfect debut album introducing J.J. Cale to the wider world in a fashion that he would of approved of naturally, underground, understated and ticking along nicely. Creating a firm bedrock on which Cale travelled with aplomb throughout his career, keeping it real.