Cale’s entire 40-plus year career has produced only 13 albums. But most critics agree that each effort is well worth the wait. Lauded by his peers and completely unfazed by musical fads, J.J. Cale is an American icon, a craftsman like no other.

Clapton’s career, also spanning more than 40 years, has resulted in 18 Grammy Awards and the distinct honour of being the only triple inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

After years of admiring each others musical masterworks and Clapton covers of Cale songs such as “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” guitar legends J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton have teamed up for the first time to create an original album together, The Road To Escondido.

In a true collaboration, Cale and Clapton jointly produced and recorded the album, each playing and singing on the tracks. Cale wrote 11 of the songs, Clapton wrote “Three Little Girls,” John Mayer wrote “Hard To Thrill” and the duo cover the blues classic “Sporting Life Blues.”

J.J. Cale’s touring band accompanies them on the album as well as guest musicians including, Taj Mahal, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Albert Lee, Nathan East, Willie Weeks and Steve Jordan. Particularly special is the involvement of Billy Preston, who donated his classic keyboard talents throughout the album. The album is dedicated to Preston and Clapton’s late friend Brian Roylance.