JJ Cale

Cale is one of Eric Clapton's favorites, and his light groove is an estimable influence on Mark
Knopfler. So when the veteran Okie bluesman spices his casual sound with fiddle, brass
and keys, he sounds like -- no surprise -- a Dust Bowl Dire Straits, all whispery vocals and
reverb guitar. To Tulsa and Back is Cale's first record in eight years. It's also his best in
fifteen.