Willie Nelson/Wynton Marsalis - Two Men With The Blues

The event was simply billed as "Willie Nelson Sings the Blues," but the historic two-night stand on January 12 and 13, 2007 at Jazz at Lincoln Center was far more than that. Call it a summit meeting between two American icons, Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis, two of the most significant figures in modern-day country and jazz, who discovered common ground in their love for jazz standards and the blues. Their performance stirred the sounds of New Orleans, Nashville, Austin and New York City into a brilliantly programmed mix that was equal parts down-home and cosmopolitan, with plenty of swing and just a touch of melancholy. To say that these shows were a hot ticket would be an understatement. Luckily, the tapes were rolling and the results of this unique collaboration now constitute the Blue Note album Two Men With The Blues for everyone who couldn't cram into The Allen Room. Featuring great playing from one of the hottest bands around these classic tracks are given new life by the extraordinary dual talents of Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis. At a time when most people are thinking of retirement, Willie has never been busier. His profile has been high in recent weeks with his various career retrospective releases and sold out tour and this album can rightly stake it's place alongside anything else he has done. Wynton rarely sounds so relaxed and both of these musical giants are clearly having the time of their lives together on these new interpretations of some of the greatest songs of the 20th century. Album Description

Willy is the weak link

I was saddened in listening to this album. Two of my most favorite artists, whom I have enjoyed their entire careers, come together to create an album to covet for years to come. The unfortunate part of this is that Willy's voice is slowly disappearing. Although clear in his vocals, he has reached that stage in life when he "speaks" the words, holding almost no notes for longer that a few seconds, demonstrating almost no vibrato at all. I have noticed this trend over his last few albums, and it takes away from the vocal aspects of the album. The blues component is second-to-none, strikingly presented, and Wynton does not disappoint, nor do the other band members! An average effort at best. July 17, 2008

BEST WILLIE ALBUM IN 30 YEARS

This is THE BEST Willie Nelson selection in 30 years, it is too bad that no local stores carry it, or if they did they only received two copies........Wynton really blows life into this thing, I am going to buy some more of his stuff.

I don't care how you get your hands on a copy, JUST GET THIS ALBUM or CD, it is GREAT MUSIC, fun on every note and the sonic quality is outstanding, take it from an AUDIOPHILE, it made my system sing to it's fullest potential. July 17, 2008

I love the music on this disc

Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis collaborate to produce the best duet album of the year. My favorite track is "Bright Lights Big City". The harmonica playing by Mickey Raphael is so cool here. Wynton is equally good on the trumpet here. Willie's vocals are excellent too. I love Dan Nimmer's smooth piano playing on the track "Georgia on My Mind". "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It" is a fun song about looking for love. I really like the bass playing by Carlos Henriquez on "Caldonia". This is such a groovy track about a special woman. "Basin Street Blues" is a tribute to the street in New Orleans. "Stardust" is a very romantic track. Walter Blanding shines playing the saxophone on the track "Rainy Day Blues". I love the music these talented musicians create on this album. July 15, 2008

Awsome! 5 stars all the way. Must have CD.

Listen to the sample clips. I heard the NPR interview and two songs! Blues at its peak. Phenomenal band accompanying them. Thanks to the producers and everyone who made this record possible! July 14, 2008

An Instant Classic !!!!!

A stroke of pure genious to capture this live recording of two American mastersand a great combination of first-rate musicians. Every song has an uplifting spirit and heartfelt call and response attitudes that convey how much fun they were having creating the music. Totally fun! July 14, 2008

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