Affectionately Made Standards Record

Willie Nelson is a versatile performer. He was famous for being at the forefront of the country outlaw movement in the 70's. Released at the end of the 70's while the movement was at it's height, Nelson went against the grain with this risky offering of standards. This could have gone dreadfully for Willie but in fact what he achieved was one of his most successful and popular releases and a beloved and cherished album for many, Nelson fans and novices alike.

The album is finely produced by Booker T. Jones of Booker T and the MGs. It never becomes over ornate but is Isimply and beautifully managed allowing Willie to breathe and take these songs and make them his own. It doesn't really fall into any category, as it's not really country, nor folk, nor Jazz, nor easy listening. Please excuse me for sounding utterly pretentious which I am about to do... It's Willie Nelson.

The song selection is great with fantastic readings of 'Georgia on My Mind' and 'All of Me' of particular note. Willie breezes throughout with his own inventive take on phrasing and pronunciation. It's odd to think that he is one of the greatest songwriters in US music and not one composition graces this album.

If you're not a Willie Nelson fan, this is a great place to start as it's probably his most accessible record. I think that the likes of Rod Stewart et al who are bursting forth with American songbook albums would do well to listen to this.