J.J. Cale
Shades

Always away from the spotlight yet appreciated by his peers, our Jay Jay (actually John Weldon) Cale offers us with this sixth album, dated 1981, another lineup of tasty tracks with a cohesive, concise, and recognizable overall sound.

All except one (“Mama Don’t”) are his compositions and I would put at the top of my preferences the closing track (the instrumental “Cloudy Day”) that truly conveys that idea of "Tulsa Sound” which references him directly: a relaxed fusion of various genres from country-rock to blues and rockabilly with some jazzy undertones (here the sax solo is by Dennis Solee, quite a decent session man).

Then, the bitter “What Do You Expect” enlivened by a fine intervention from Leon Russell on the electric piano; the delicate “Wish I Had Not Said That” and the country-western of “Carry On.” His guitar is always impeccable, measured, and effective: in general terms, it is no secret the influence that the good J.J. Cale had on musicians of the caliber of Mark Knopfler and especially Eric Clapton, and in this handful of songs, ten in total, we find more than one reference to these illustrious "disciples."

In short, SHADES will certainly not be the album that changes our lives, but for me, every time I listen to it, it's like taking a break in an armchair savoring my favorite brand of beer.

The graphic part to conclude: absolutely minimalist, as usual without a photo of him, unfortunately, and even without the lyrics, though precise in indicating the supporting musicians and ironic in the Franco-smoking inspiration of the cover image. Recommended!