Daniel Meza / Staff Photographer

An original classic of cool would be the best way to describe the blue-eyed shaggy-haired 70-year-old singer/songwriter, J.J. Cale. For nearly 40 years, Cale has been writing and recording masterful music, only to stay out of the limelight of fame.

His iconic approach of channeling a story through a groove of intimacy is incomparable. For the first time in five years, the low-key wizard hit the road, backing his latest record, “Roll On,” and decided to make a pit stop at a venue that yearns for such a sound, Belly Up Tavern.

Modest anticipation rolled into the sold-out Solana Beach venue before the Oklahoman loosely exposed his craft of hypnotic storytelling. Accompanied by the band’s bassists, keyboardist, drummer, electric drummer and a barstool, Cale was quick to turn the stage into a cozy living room, lending viewers a laid-back listening experience.

Initiating a consistent sway around the microphone, appearing utterly in tune with his band’s cosmic rhythm, Cale flowed into a truthful number on treating a woman with, “Sensitive Kind.” The inviting harmony was greeted with a round of applause equally as loud as the tune.

By now, the coziness of the venue settled in and so did the audience. But soon the crowd was greeted with a tuned-up and turned on version of “Ride Me High,” followed by tracks from his latest album and others that saved the musician from obscurity including “Cocaine,” “After Midnight” and “Call Me The Breeze.” That’s right. Before Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd found radio time for these classics, Cale penned them. Still playing the part perfectly, Cale glided off his barstool for a climactic crowd-pleasing sing-along and hand-clapping version of “Crazy Mama.”

Bluesy wonder followed his every move while he seamlessly danced across the stage, guitar in hand. His encore was short and sweet with a heaven-sent version of “Magnolia,” a song fans requested as soon as the doors opened. And it was well worth the wait.

The depth of simplicity that Cale provided in his performance was truly unique. His keen sense of quality over matters that all of us can relate to, while finding a steady and strong rhythm to back the stories, offers the heart of music as strong as the heart of the matter.

For more information on J.J. Cale, visit www.jjcale.com. For more information on upcoming shows at Belly Up, visit www.bellyup.com.