PROOF, if ever, that though you may be closer to the pearly gates than not, there’s still time to kick at the traces. Old-timer Willie Nelson does just that and in big-size cowboy boots.
The grizzled country chief teams up with younger sister Bobbie and brings to today’s audience a rousing rendition of 11 of Nelson’s songs and another seven favourites from a bygone age. As kids in Texas, they first played together in bands from the Lone Star State, Bobbie since being a regular in Willie’s Family Band. Bobbie’s piano playing is as resonant as her brother’s voice, lyrics and melodies.
But it’s in the interpretation of other standards that this release shows a playfulness and zest. Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s Ragtime Band is a jaunty jamboree, while the instrumental Nuages – written by Twenties’ guitar guru Django Reinhardt – brings alive the dizzying spirit of the legendary Café du Paris, though maybe it should be Café du Paris, Texas. A family joy.
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