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Willie's singing style works well with a jazz band, which is not surprising. On this album, Willie Nelson sings with a jazz band led by Wynton Marsalis. Actually, Willie sounds like he always sounds, it's the music that is different. The album was recorded live in January of 2007. The set list includes blues songs, country songs and pop standards. It's kind of like a Willie album with a jazz band, featuring more instrumental solos than usual. It's a very good album which Willie's fans should enjoy.
I read some of the other reviews and wondered if those who didn't like the cd had even listened to it. Willie is Willie and Wynton is Wynton and the two bring what they do together in a way that is just too good to miss. I ordered my copy of this cd with great anticipation and I was not disappointed. The only question that matters here is, "Is this good music and is it something one can enjoy listening to again and again." The answer is absolutely yes.these are good tunes, the arrangements are fun.traditional in a sense but with some refreshing takes.some in the spirit of old time New Orleans jazz, others more blues. This is a fun cd, musically worthwhile and a joy to listen to again and again. Sadly it seems some may have decided going in that they would not like what they heard and that is a shame. I find myself rewinding the player to hear certain licks and chops again and again.
I love that it is live. The musical selections and musicianship are plain fun. I like this recording very much. They clearly missed the "music". all are well crafted and very well performed. people don't record live much anymore.just as well because a lot of live music isn't anymore. I recommend this to anyone who loves good music, plain and simple.
These two musicians who are passionate about blues have come together to produce a truly special collaboration. Willie and Wynton have individually distinguished themselves as outstanding musician-performers. The blues the two of them together is divine. This listener is transported by the magic of musical alchemy. The result is golden.
Rather it is a tremendously talented group of artists who all have devoted many years to their craft, and yes Willie Nelson is one of them.Now what would be really fun would be a Marsalis / Nelson country album-jazzed up, of course. It's a good matchup by a talented cast of dedicated artists.
What a dream rhythm section this group would provide for any singer. My favorite part of this CD is the beautiful instrumental backing, section work, and soloing by the superb Wynton Marsalis band.
Willie's oddball vocal phrasing sometimes throws country musicians for a loop, but it doesn't faze these jazz musicians one bit. Willie Nelson is, of course, mainly a country singer.
But his own band leans heavily on bluesy inflections, and he has previously recorded acclaimed recordings of jazz standards. These are not musicians who follow fads and sell their souls to be on the hit parade.
Remember when Ray Charles did that in the 1960s.
Highly recommended. Willie has ALWAYS been a jazz artist dressed as a country singer and Wynton is one of the greats of our generation- keeping jazz alive. A MUST HAVE for any collection.
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