Two American musicians. One an icon of country music, the other the (self-proclaimed) personification of jazz history in the US. Both with a love for the blues, the cradle of their music genres. At first glance, the combination of Willie Nelson with Wynton Marsalis may seem a bit strange, but on closer inspection it actually makes a lot of sense. Accompanied by Marsalis' combo, expanded with Nelson's
… harmonica player, they express their mutual love for blues and jazz standards such as Georgia, Basin Street Blues and Stardust. From the opening track Bright Lights Big City that immediately starts swinging in the style of a 1940s uptempo blues 'n' boogie jump band. In the, In concert recorded live at the Lincoln Jazz Center in January 2007, it is mainly Wynton Marsalis and saxophonist Walter Blanding who play nice bluesy solos. Nelson's guitar solos are a bit skimpy. Fortunately his vocals fit the blues songs very well. An infectious swinging concert. (HB)more
