Milk Cow Blues
Ask a country legend likeGeorge JonesorChet Atkins, and they will tell you they learned to play and sing from the neighboring bluesman/sharecropper. LikewiseB.B. Kingis apt to mention that he tuned in the Grand Ole Opry growing up. Thus it feels natural for country's grand old hippie Willie Nelson to record a CD of blues standards--especially since he wrote some of them (see: "Night Life"). Producer and featured guitarist Derek O'Brien lays down a funky but relaxed bed for the King of Laid-Back and some serious musical synergy with veteran guests likeDr. Johnand the aforementioned King.Kenny Wayne Shepherd's incendiary guitar on "Texas Flood" notwithstanding, the contributions of the younger contingent (Susan Tedeschi,Jonny Lang,Keb' Mo'), while heartfelt, seem more like perfunctory marketing ploys. Those who buyMilk Cow Bluesfor those names will be disappointed. Those who buy it for Willie will be delighted as he proceeds to show the youngsters (and all of us) what soul, and phrasing, and the blues are all about.--Michael Ross