The light tunes in the rock album, “The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale,” by Eric Clapton are sure to induce a feeling of relaxation and are an excellent dedication to the late J.J. Cale.
While this album has new music by Clapton, it is credited to “Eric Clapton and Friends” and features many guest vocals and new tracks by Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Don White and John Mayer.
The inspiration for the album title comes from a song Clapton produced with J.J. Cale in 1972 titled, “Call Me the Breeze.”
The album begins its journey with “Call Me Breeze,” t he song is upbeat and fast and includes the lyrics, “I ain’t got me nobody / I don’t carry me no load,” which conveys a light carefree feeling.
Elements of the song cheery, catchy and is a tune that is sure to get the listener grooving. This is a track that listeners can play hours on end to lift their moods.
Others songs like “The Sensitive Kind” by Don White had more subdued, lyrics like, “Treat her so gently / It will pay you in time,” are sung with a deep voice and is slightly monotone, yet still very soothing.
As the album progresses, there is a shift in the tone but overall the sound of the album throughout is consistent.
“Cajun Moon” is just as catchy and sung with a muffled voice, immediately after the song, “Magnolia,” by John Mayer provides a soft tune that sounds like a lullaby. It counters the mood but flows seamlessly.
One of the more emotional songs, “Since You Said Goodbye,” is muted and portrays a feeling of dejection. The lyrics describe “Lord the moon he knows I’m blue / And it’s all because of you ever since you said goodbye,” which suggests that Clapton feels helpless, possibly at the loss of J.J. Cale.
“I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)” is a collaboration between Clapton and White and picks the mood back up from the sadness. It’s a bouncy song sung to a fast beat and includes sounds that resemble yodeling.
“The Old Man and Me,” which features Tom Petty is unique from the rest of the album because it whispers its lyrics.
It’s always nice to see artists collaborate with other musicians and this dedication to J.J. Cale is a pleasant ride for those who are fans of the more bluesy type of rock.