Willie Nelson Shotgun Willie CD

Live Recording

Personnel: Willie Nelson (vocals, acoustic guitar); Steve Burgh (acoustic & electric guitar); Red Lane (acoustic guitar); James Clayton Day (dobro, pedal steel, background vocals); Willie Bridges (baritone saxophone); Bobbie Nelson (piano); Jeff Gutcheon (electric piano, organ); Dan Spears, Hugh McDonald, Jack Barber (bass); Paul English, Steve Mosley, George Rains (drums); Dee Moeller (background vocals).
Producers: Arif Mardin , Jerry Wexler, Arif Mardin.
Principally recorded at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York.
Transferring his allegiance to Atlantic (where he would record two remarkable albums that would get him kicked off the label), Willie Nelson offered his finest record to date for his debut -- possibly his finest album ever. Shotgun Willie encapsulates Willie's world view and music, finding him at a peak as a composer, interpreter, and performer. This is laid-back, deceptively complex music, equal parts country, rock attitude, jazz musicianship, and troubadour storytelling. Nelson blurs the lines between his own tunes and covers to the point that "Whiskey River," this record's best-known song, seems thoroughly original, yet it was written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud. This, along with two songs apiece by Leon Russell and Bob Wills, provides context for his originals, with Shotgun Willie becoming a musical autobiography, offering not only insights into his musicality (witness how he slows down "Stay All Night [Stay a Little Longer]" to a slow shuffle) but, seemingly, into himself (most notably on the title track and the wonderful, funny travelogue "Devil in a Sleepin' Bag"). Nelson wasn't just at a peak of performing here -- he also wrote some of his greatest songs, highlighted not just by the previously mentioned tunes but also by the lovely slow waltz "Slow Down Old World" and "Sad Songs and Waltzes." All of it adds up to possibly the finest record in a career filled with hits and highlights. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Prior to his major success as a founding father of outlaw country (with Waylon Jennings), Nelson recorded for Atlantic. They were a record label who, among many things, were not renowned for country music. The production by Arif Mardin (with a little help from Jerry Wexler) has definite shades of southern soul and R&B. Nelson also has a great gift of singing in an incredibly unaffected way; he sings honestly as if he is singing for himself. This remarkable talent has endeared him to millions, and although this album failed to chart, it is one to return to, like an old friend, especially Leon Russell's 'A Song For You'.