If Eric Clapton had never become ERIC CLAPTON, he may well have wound up like J.J. Cale, the Oklahoma City-born singer and guitarist who supplied Clapton’s solo smashes “After Midnight” and “Cocaine.” Cale is hardly a superstar, but he has a deep reservoir of great songs and regularly fills clubs performing in his laid-back, understated, wry manner. On their first collaboration, the white-bearded guitarists sound so much alike you almost can’t tell who’s singing–this is especially effective on the slow opening shuffle “Danger” and the closing rocker “Ride the River.” (Clapton unfortunately steps away from the formula on “Three Little Girls,” a treacly tribute to his daughters that begs for Cale’s wit.) Despite big-name guitar guests John Mayer and Derek Trucks, “The Road to Escondido” has the feel of an easygoing two-man kinship, from the cover photo of the stars hitchhiking to the rickety “Missing Person” vocals.
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