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J.J. Cale Knocks Himself Out

Susin Shapiro, The Village Voice, 14 February 1977

J.J. CALE IS not smiling. He hasn't smiled for 53 minutes of his set at My Father's Place. The set — highlights from all four records, including 'Lies', 'Cajun Moon', and 'Cocaine' — is destined to last another three minutes. He has spoken once or twice in his striking if barely audible tone, crediting Ray Charles with 'I Believe to My Soul' and thanking the crowd for their applause. He has turned his head toward one o'clock every four minutes to indicate to his band that a tune is over. The band reacts with a single upbeat flourish. But still J.J. reveals no teeth.

Total word count of piece: 686

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