WILLIE NELSON : Willie & The Wheel

Jun 6 2010 by Paul Cole, Sunday Mercury

WILLIE NELSON

Willie & The Wheel (Bismeaux)

wTHIS is the album that took 30 years to make. A union dreamed up when Nelson was on Atlantic in the 1970s had to be shelved when he moved to CBS, and only now sees the light of a UK day. It’s a joyous set of warm hillbilly swing, pairing the original outlaw with virtuoso band Asleep At The Wheel. From opener Hesitation Blues to finalé Won’t You Ride In My Little Red Wagon, the latter an unshowy showcase for solo skills, the smile won’t leave your face. This is all hot fiddles, rollicking piano and sneaky steel guitar. Vince Gill guests on South but he’s unecessary in such good company. JD