"Just wanted to address one point that I wondered about prior to getting this dvd. Which was is there any concert footage. Well the answer is yes and no. During the very well done main documentary of JJ Cale you have segments of him playing solo and also with the band mixed in - though for the most part not whole songs. However the dvd does include a bonus section which has approx 30 mins of solo and band concert footage. Some of these songs you see part of in the main documentary. This bonus footage is a nice inclusion to what is a very good profile of one of our best singer songwriters."
Great insight to an amazing Musician
Tintin | Long Island, NY | 06/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cale is famous for shunningthe spotlight so thats what makes this DVD Documentary such a pure joy. You really get to know all about the man who wrote some of Claptons biggest songs (Cocaine, After Midnight) thru watching him play live, talk and return home to Tulsa where is all began. Lots a great extras as well thru discussions with friends and family. This is a must buy for anyone interested in what its like to be an artist on the road and how it all works as well."
J.J. Cale, purveyor of cool guitar sounds
J. M. Jacobs | East Helena, MT, USA | 01/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a beautifully constructed documentary on J. J. Cale, a man with exposure to many but a man who hardly anybody knows much about. This guy could have invented the term "laid back." As the story progresses, you learn why Mr. Cale had that signature sound unlike any other - he basically invented it in the recording studio... which in one case was a trailer he lived in for a number of years. No one is quite sure as to exactly how he does it and he's not telling... but he sure is playing!
Guitar is an instrument that gets its rich sound from how the player approaches it - the sound is in the player's hands for the most part. Strings, pickups, amps - all affect the sound but the texture of the notes comes from the musician. We get to see that here in detail. Simple songs well written and well played and then throw in some way cool guitar sounds to boot.
The sound is clean and tight, and the video quality is excellent as well. I first viewed my copy on a higher quality 37" diagonal plasma screen and it was gorgeous - colors were rich and saturated and the overall sound was clear and very well defined.
If you liked the songs "Cocaine", "Call Me the Breeze" and "Crazy Mama", you'll come to treasure this DVD."
Honest insight into a simple, legendary musician
Nineteen | San Francisco | 11/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am surprised that more folks haven't reviewed this DVD. There are no frills or fancy effects -- true to JJ's style, this is a simple documentary that reveals the essence of Cale and his music. Tons of great photographs and interviews walks us through Cale's childhood, how he became famous and most importantly an insight into Cale.
I have tremendous respect for how generously Eric Clapton praised Cale and mentioned that Cale is his is "favorite person" in the world.
A must have for Cale fans. For others, this is your chance to discover his music.
In our current world of sub standard musicians and ostentation, here is a TRUE AMERICAN MUSIC LEGEND."
Everything a Music Docu. Should Be
Carlo Matthews | Been Moving Around | 10/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Up-close, candid, thorough, sympathetic without being flattering, substantial and insightful, down-to-earth, beautifully shot and cleverly edited, this music documentary does JJ justice -- it's the best I've seen in its genre.
The portrayal of JJ is unaffected and bristling with honesty and humor at every turn. Half way through, one cannot help but be swept by the laconic charm of the man, the band's one-day-at-a-time philosophy, and the perpetually perplexed interviewees (Clapton is effusive about the beguiling simplicity of JJ's ways and work). And then there's the music: stripped down, on stage, at home, in the studio, acoustic, electric, on street corners -- you name it. JJ was sixty five years old during the shooting and he's still looking for the next song! The man is driven; the music won't let go of him. How lucky can one guy get?
The production itself is first rate. The photography is expertly done, the sound is crisp, the sequencing avoids the obvious, and the overall effect is both intelligent and genuinely moving.
There you go. It seems I can't say enough good things about this dvd. Oh well."