Naturally

Biography

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 mus...

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). 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 Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.