Call Me the Breeze

Recorded in 1970 during the sessions that became J.J. Cale's debut album Naturally, the track paired Cale's guitar and understated vocal with Carl Radle on bass and an early drum-machine rhythm. Audie Ashworth produced the recording, with James Long, Joe Mills and Joe Williamson credited as engineers on the album. Opening Naturally, the song established Cale's sparse, relaxed approach and became an early defining example of the Tulsa sound. Its primitive electronic rhythm and economical guitar playing distinguished it from the heavier blues-rock prevalent at the time. The song became one of Cale's best-known compositions through prominent covers by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Cash, John Mayer and Eric Clapton. Its loose shuffle and restrained delivery helped shape the laid-back roots-rock style associated with Cale's influence.