J.J. Cale
Travel-Log

I discovered some of the songs from this album when I was still developing a passion for music, around 15 years old. They were "Lady Luck", "Tijuana", "Change Your Mind", and "River Boat Song" and I believe they've touched my heart, especially the first one, perhaps the most beautiful on the album. Only recently did I have the chance to listen to the album in its entirety, and now it's one of those records I would take to a deserted island. I'm not an expert on J.J. Cale, I just know the Best of his past classics. He is an old-school artist, a tough nut. Travel-Log, from 1989, highlights a slightly different side, perhaps a newfound originality, a new productive vein. It consists of arrangements that range from rhythm & blues to folk, to Spanish-tinged melodies. It is especially the presence of guitars and beautiful arpeggios that defines this album.

Wonderful when they are acoustic ("Lady Luck", "End of the Line", "Change Your Mind", "River Boat Song"). Other times with a refined electric sound, subtly gritty, and the arpeggios and rhythms continue to speak in their own voice ("Shanghaid", "No Time", "Disadvantage"). Harmonicas, violins, keyboards, and a constant, sparkling drum are added. The blues is tinged with folk ballads ("New Orleans") and Spanish-tinged phrasing ("Tijuana"). It's truly a splendid, delightful album. I recommend it to all those who love the guitar.

Malcolm1985