Collaboration albums often seem to crash and burn in horrid self-indulgence or ill-advised production. Every so often, however, two artists come together to create something that not only works, but becomes ear-candy; music the listener can not get enough of. The joining of country great Willie Nelson with veteran "western swing" band Asleep at the Wheel is no exception to the later.
The album, appropriately titled Willie and the Wheel, combines the joyful sounds of what I imagine a small tonk honky-tonk dance hall to be like with the age old gravely voice that has made Nelson a living icon. If anyone ever thought Willie was nearing the end of his professional singing life need only choose three random tracks off this album to be convinced otherwise. Along with the swinging fiddles, Nelson's vocals and spirit are alive and well!
All the tracks spring to life with true country authenticity; nothing on this album feels "phoned in." However, some stand out favorite tracks of mine are the lead-off "Hesitation Blues," the smile-inducing "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None O' This Jelly Roll," and the charmingly sassy "I'm Sitting On Top of the World" with great give and take vocals between Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel's own Elizabeth McQueen. Vince McGill also makes an appearance in the rocking "South."
Sergio del Limónar
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