Rhapsody Reviews: Text about music -- remember that?
Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel
Willie and the Wheel
Willie's penchant for collaboration has defined his late career; he's joined up with everyone from alt country pouter Ryan Adams [hear it here] to late-night comedian Stephen Colbert. Even though he's backed here by veteran traditional country outfit Asleep at the Wheel, this seems as much of a partnership with recently deceased Atlantic Records boss and iconic producer Jerry Wexler, who had the concept for the record shelved for years and produced it just before his death. Similar to Willie's 2006 release You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker, he sings the genre of his youth with obvious revelry, and here the band's virtuosity (indisputable from the very start with the noodling Dixie horns of "Hesitation Blues") feels every bit as affectionate. For that, thank Ray Benson, longstanding front man of Asleep at the Wheel, whose arrangements help make "Sweet Jennie Lee" and "Oh! You Pretty Woman" particularly swinging standouts.
- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
Great record -- best Willie has sounded in years! None (or very little) of the singspeak that has characterized his live shows and recent recordings.