Clapton-Cale CD takes 'Road to Escondido'

By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times | Friday, September 29, 2006 10:18 PM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale have put Escondido on the map.

People in the North County area know that Highway 78 or Interstate 15 will lead them to Escondido. But for the legendary musicians, the path was a creative route that ended with a 14-track CD that will hit record stores Nov. 7.

"A Road to Escondido," a blend of blues, rock, country and folk music, was produced and recorded by Clapton and Cale in August 2005 in California.Ý

Escondido is buzzing about the album, and community members say it represents their city well. Mayor Lori Pfeiler said the album's title is recognition of the "unique" city that Escondido is.

"I think it puts us on the map," she said. "Many people have come to Escondido, and have found hidden treasures. I think that is what happened to Eric Clapton as well."

She said she thinks that the album's release will spur curiosity about the city.

"If you want to make the effort to take the trip to Escondido, you are going to find something worthwhile when you get there," she said.

Clapton's publicist, Kristen Foster, said neither Cale nor Clapton were doing interviews about the album.

Although, she said, "their musical history together is lengthy," this is the first time Clapton and Cale have created a full-length album together.

Despite the album's title, Foster said none of the album's songs are about Escondido.Ý

However, Cale's publicist, Mike Kappus, said some of the songs were written near Escondido, because "Cale has lived in the area for a long time."

Although Kappus wouldn't confirm Cale's location, Debra Rosen, chief executive officer for the Downtown Business Association in Escondido, said it is her understanding that he lives in Valley Center. Ý

The album's cover image is reminiscent of Escondido, with mountains in the distance, and a dirt pull-off next to the paved road. It features an antique, red pickup truck parked near two guitar cases with a wooden slab stating "Escondido.

The album features songs written by Cale, Clapton and John Mayer. It also includes other artists such as Taj Mahal, Derek Trucks, Albert Lee, Nathan East, Willie Weeks and Steve Jordan. Ý

In a release about the album, Clapton said, "This was the realization of what may have been my last ambition, to work with the man whose music has inspired me for as long as I can remember."

Cale also shared similar sentiments about Clapton in the release.

"Eric and I have known each other for a long time and it was a great experience to finally make a record together," he said.

Harvey Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce, said the album's title is "a real honor" for Escondido.

"This is the kind of exposure for our community that you just can't buy in ads," he said, adding that it is a sign that "people are interested in this community."

Rosen said the title of the album makes Escondido "a destination," and mentioned that Clapton attended last summer's Cruisin' Grand event in Escondido.

"That's a big deal for us," she said. "I guess he has a real interest in classic cars."

Sue Dusharme, programs director for the Downtown Business Association, said she briefly met Clapton at the event.

"I am a big fan of Eric Clapton's," she said. "I thanked him for coming to our event. It was a big surprise and a great honor to have him."

She also believes the album's title will benefit the Escondido city image.

"It's really flattering," she said. "It puts Escondido on the map for thousands of people."

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