Willie Nelson & Family

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Cover photograph of his 1971 album is one of the essential images in Willie Nelson’s career. Gathered around an evening campfire on the grounds of Nelson’s ranch in Ridgetop, Tennessee, are a coterie of friends, neighborhoods, kids, and freaky musicians. Nelson aficionados should be able to spot drummer Paul English in his trademark cape and Mephistophelean mustache, and stone-faced bassist Bee Spears in what appears to be a huge furry diaper. Though it would be a few years before these touring pals started appearing on Nelson’s records, <i>Willie Nelson & Family</i> signifies the artist’s expanding repertoire. Covers of Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” prove that Nelson made no distinction between up-and-comers and hallowed veterans like Hank Williams (“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”) and Harlan Howard (“Yours Love”). What matters to Willie, always, is the song. The Nashville studio band seems tame compared to the spirit of the cover photo, but the brilliant Nelson original “I’m a Memory” shows some guts in its climaxing blend of horns, strings, and acoustic guitar.

via Apple Music