J.J. Cale – Naturally (1972) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

Naturally is the debut album by J. J. Cale. First released in 1972, it includes his song "After Midnight" which was first recorded by Eric Clapton in 1970.

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's friend and producer, Audie Ashworth, encouraged Cale to record a full album in order to capitalize on the success of his song. Naturally was recorded independently, "on spec", the musicians being paid demo fees. Some songs, such as "Call Me the Breeze", were recorded with primitive drum machine accompaniment and sound almost like demos.

The album showcased Cale's distinctive, understated style, and it successfully established his solo recording career which continues to the present day. The album was originally released on Leon Russell's "Shelter" label, spawning the 1972 hits "Crazy Mama" (Billboard Hot 100 #22- his only Top 40 hit) and "After Midnight" (#42) as well as turntable hits "Bringing it Back" (recorded by Kansas in their first album), "Call Me the Breeze" (later recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd) and "Clyde" (later recorded by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, and a 1980 country hit for Waylon Jennings). Wikipedia

Note: I particularly dislike the bass-heavy mastering on the Speakers Corner reissue. This UK first pressing is how it should sound!

Track listing:

01. Call Me the Breeze
02. Call the Doctor
03. Don’t go to Strangers
04. Woman I Love
05. Magnolia
06. Clyde
07. Crazy Mama
08. Nowhere to Run
09. After Midnight
10. River Runs Deep
11. Bringing it Back
12. Crying Eyes

Personnel:

JJ Cale - guitar, vocals
Karl Himmel - drums
Chuck Browning - drums
Tim Drummond - drums
Carl Radle - bass
Norbert Putnam - bass
Bob Wilson - piano
David Briggs - piano, organ
Jerry Whitehurst - piano
Weldon Myrick - steel guitar
Buddy Spicher - fiddle
Shorty Lavender - fiddle
Walter Hayness - dobro
Mac Gayden - slide guitar
Ed Colis - harmonica
Diane Davidson - backing vocals
Produced by Audie Ashworth

Technicals:

Knosti RCM.
Michell GyroDec full version.
Funk Firm FXR II Tonearm.
Audio Technica AT33PTG/II MC Cartridge.
Harman Kardon HK990 Integrated Amplifier.
Gold Interconnects. E-MU 0204 Audio Interface.
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