I've always been a fan of John Cale, as I believe many people are, but don't know it. His music has been an inspiration to many other well known artists such as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Eric Clapton offers a frank and honest respect to John throughout this documentary, including a funny part where he admits he was jamming with John on stage for three+ minutes before he realized they were playing the Cale song he made famous- "Cocaine". The film documents John's early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, told in old photos and present day on site interviews. Much of the film is done from the tour bus as they roll from venue to venue, and you get a taste of what life as a traveling musician must be like. There is also some beautiful scenery as the tour bus rolls through Colorado, as well. Many other reviews here are on the money for their descriptions, and should be read, but they all say that the length is wrong- only 90 minutes instead of the 167 minutes listed by IMDb. I believe they were all wrong, and IMDb is correct, because they turned off the film when the credits roll. The film continues on, showing full length performances by JJ doing all the songs he plays during the film, and more. Don't it off at the credits! Enjoy these performances of a late, great artist. John Cale, you were one of the best. Thank you for all the music. You wrote the soundtrack to many of my favorite memories. Rest in Peace.
To Tulsa and Back: On Tour with J.J. Cale
(2005 Video)
Don't turn it off at the credits!
23 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers