J.J. Cale has attained the status of a legend in spite of, or perhaps to a degree because of, his best efforts to remain out of the spotlight. Still, the sound of the man, who wrote rock classics like "After Midnight," "Cocaine" and "Call Me The Breeze," is universally known, if only because his unique guitar-playing and vocal style have influenced an incredibly wide range of fellow musicians.
For the first time in 35 years, Cale, who so far has thrived as a notoriously reclusive cult musician, does not shun the camera; in fact he allows the viewer to ride along on his American tour in the summer of 2004. In To Tulsa And Back: On Tour With J.J. Cale, he tells about his childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his years with fellow Tulsa emigres Leon Russell, Carl Radle and Jamie Oldaker in California during the late sixties and his life in the studio, on stage and on the road. In this unique and exciting documentary, Cale talks about the so-called "Tulsa Sound," a blend of Rock 'n' Roll, Country, Blues and Jazz, of which he has become known as the originator.
To Tulsa And Back: On Tour With J.J. Cale shows Cale on stage playing at a number of classic venues including the historic Cain's Ballroom in downtown Tulsa and at the Crossroads guitar festival in the Cotton Bowl, featuring a powerful performance together with Eric Clapton. In exclusive interviews many of Cale's longtime band members, family and friends speak about his unique artistry and personality. This film shows that the laid-back guitar sound and restrained singing is in line with Cale's personality: an unusually relaxed musician, averse to bragging. Musicians like Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Bryan Ferry and Santana make no secret of the fact that they admire J.J. Cale, and now his fans get an intimate look at this legendary singer-songwriter, whose original artistry transcends generational boundaries.
While credited with such hits as "After Midnight," "Same Old Blues," and "Cocaine," Tulsa-pioneer J.J. Cale has never been one to accept the limelight. Hiding from the press, Cale emerges here for the first time in three decades for an extensive documentary filled with music and revealing interview material.