The eccentric-looking American singer Willie Nelson is well over seventy but does not seem to be ready for the retirement he built up with writing country classics such as Hello Walls and Funny How Time Slips Away. He prefers to dive into the studio to record a reggae or western swing record or to collaborate with younger colleague Ryan Adams. His output seems as inscrutable as it is inexhaustible,
… with his fragile voice as a fixed value. On Moment Of Forever rock dominates with mostly solid guitar work and Nelson remains effortlessly upright in this too. In addition to three own compositions (including the sensitive, typical Nelson ballad Always Now), the choice of covers is extremely tasteful, including Louisiana (Randy Newman), Moment Of Forever (Kris Kristofferson) and Gravedigger (Dave Matthews). The highlight of this album that is as atmospheric as it is powerful is perhaps Bob Dylan's Gotta Serve Somebody. An underestimated song from his Christian period, but not by Nelson who takes it to great heights with his interpretation, as a worthy closing of this sublime album. (MR)more
