Album Review: Willie Nelson/Wynton Marsalis - ‘Two Men with the Blues’

WG 838Jul 23rd, 2008 - 23:12:20

I purchased this album a week ago. When I first heard this announced, I was skeptical. I am a lifelong jazz fan, a longtime Wynton Marsalis fan, but the only exposure I had to Willie Nelson was his duets with Julio Iglesias and Ray Charles more recently.

Luckily, I wasn't too skeptical to give it a try. The first thing I noticed is a different feel to the recording. Many complain that Wynton's recordings sound too rehearsed and stiff and lack some of the joyful spontaneity that is the heart of jazz. In this set, everyone is clearly having a ball. The arrangements are loose, the playing was lighthearted and fun, and the spirit of the occasion come through.

Wynton's band welcomes Willie and they clearly fit well together. The song choices are golden, and they are played 'right.' Georgia, My Bucket's got a hole in it, and Stardust are my votes for best performances. All the songs are great, however.

I love this music and think it is destined to become a classic in both artists' catalogues, and should definitely be in the running for album of the year. We need more music like this. My only complaint: 80 minutes of music fit on a CD, and this disc had lots of room for more music. (Perhaps there will be a vol. II?)

Well done, and here's hoping for more Willie and Wynton!

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