Craft Recordings releases a new vinyl of Wille Nelson’s country music standards album.
Willie Nelson – Country Music – Rounder Records (2010)/Craft Recordings/High Tone Records CR00976 (2026) 180-gram stereo double vinyl, 54:57 ****1/2:
(Willie Nelson – gut-string acoustic guitar, vocals; Jim Lauderdale – vocal harmony; Buddy Miller – electric guitar, vocal harmonies; Chris Sharp – acoustic guitar, vocal harmony; Dennis Crouch – acoustic bass; Riley Baugus – banjo; Ronnie McCoury – mandolin; Mike Compton – mandolin; Russell Pahl – pedal steel; Stuart Duncan – fiddle; Shad Cobb – fiddle; Mickey Raphael – harmonica)
The crossover of country stars into the mainstream has been evolving over decades. Artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Shanis Twain and Taylor Swift are prominent examples of this cultural shift. Perhaps there is no greater symbol of this movement than Willie Nelson. The Texas-born singer-songwriter achieved some success with compositions like “Crazy” (Patsy Cline), “Funny How Time Slips Away” (Billy Walker), and “Pretty Paper” (Roy Orbison). When Nelson recorded in Nashville, sales were moderate and he was not a fit for that scene. After relocating to Austin, things changed significantly. Willie became the face of a new country genre, outlaw music. It allowed him to express honky tonk with a nod toward counterculture. He became a beloved icon and recorded in a variety of styles including pop, jazz and traditional. Nelson is universally respected and has collaborated with a diverse group of stars.
Craft Recordings/High Tone Records has released an updated 180-gram vinyl of the 2010 album Country Music. This was a collection of traditional country music (one Nelson song) that was recorded with primarily acoustic instruments in minimal arrangements. Side A opens with “Man With The Blues”. A relaxed haunting vocal performance provides a spiritual aura. The simple accompaniment enhances the plaintive context. Nelson’s laid-back conversational approach permeates the 1948 Ernest Tubbs hit, “Seaman’s Blues”. Mandolin and pedal steel accents (with the always dependable gut string guitar) infuse the gospel sentiment. Waltz time, flexible slide and violin pick up the tempo on Merle Travis’ classic love song, “Dark As A Dungeon”. Unrequited love meets low-keyed honky tonk on “Gotta Walk Alone”. Nelson simply inhabits these songs. Whether it’s heartbreak (“Gotta Walk Alone”) or Sunday morning testimonial (“Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down”), the production frames Nelson’s vocals with atmospheric resonance. Even heartache (“My Baby’s Gone”) has a soothing effect on the listener. “Freight Train Boogie” picks up the pace and is reminiscent of “The Singing Brakeman”.
Each arrangement is concise. Another Ray Price gem, “You Done Me Wrong” has a breezy dance vibe and trademark country regret. There are many historical connections in the song list. The up tempo “Pistol Packin’ Mama” was a rare country & western hit during World War II. A gentle flow (in 3/4 time) envelops “Ocean Of Diamonds” with great fiddle and Nelson’s authentic vocal delivery. A nimble guitar solo anchors the humorous “Drinking Champagne”. Wilson and the studio players ease into numbers like “I Am A Pilgrim” and “House Of Gold”, never straying from the back-porch vibe. The finale, “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” is deeply felt and feels like deep reflection.
This vinyl is the epitome of traditional acoustic country music. The sound is balanced with excellent stereo separation. There is a subtle ambiance to the mix with Nelson’s vocals centered and complemented delicately by the instrumentation. The vinyl pressing is pristine. It transcends nostalgia and genre.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Willie Nelson – Country Music
Side A: Man With The Blues; Seaman’s Blues; Dark As A Dungeon; Gotta Walk Alone
Side B: Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down; My Baby’s Gone; Freight Train Boogie; Satisfied Mind
Side C: You Done Me Wrong; Pistol Packin’ Mama; Ocean Of Diamonds; Drinking Champagne
Side D: I Am A Pilgrim; House Of Gold; Nobody’s Fault But Mine.
