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Upon further thought, though, Nelson's laid-back sensibility, subtle
rhythmic lilt, and stoner image make his reggae album, COUNTRYMAN, seem in retrospect like an inevitability. Instead of adding his distinctive jazzy drawl and ragged guitar to a batch of reggae classics, though, Willie mostly keeps it country amid the Kingston grooves, delivering many of his own songs, as well a couple by Johnny Cash and reggae giant Jimmy Cliff.
Produced by Don Was, these tracks mostly feature L.A. session musicians doing a credible approximation of early-'70s Cliff/Toots & the
Maytals-style roots reggae, while Willie remains unflappable atop the
rhythmic change-up of the arrangements. These sessions actually sat in the can for about eight years before finally seeing the light of day, but anyone who ever wondered what bleak, ruminative Nelson chestnuts
such as "Darkness on the Face of the Earth" and "I've Just Destroyed
the World" would sound like with the added emotional contrast of a
bouncy reggae beat were finally sated with COUNTRYMAN's 2005 release.
Willie Nelson and reggae might seem at first to be an unlikely match.
Personnel: Willie Nelson (vocals, guitar); Toots Hibbert (vocals); Dan Bosworth, Randy Jacobs, Richard Feldman, Wayne Jobson (guitar); Robby Turner (steel guitar, dobro); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Stephen Stewart, Norris Webb, Mikey Hyde (keyboards); Paul "Pablo" Stennett (bass guitar); Santa Davis (drums); Uziah "Sticky" Thompson (percussion); Pam Hall, Sir Harry Bowens, Sweet Pea Atkinson, Donald Ray Mitchell, Lieba Thomas (background vocals).
Uncut (p.100) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[T]he universal themes of tough love, outlaw tales and spiritual devotion seem drawn across parallel lines....It's remarkably good." Mojo (Publisher) (p.102) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[A]n affable affair, with Willie providing his nasal, agreeable, home-on-the-strange vocals while steel guitar and violins merge with reggae riddims to the rear."
Very Poor Not a good CD, Willie has done better work Submitted by pppdonal (Cranberry Twp, Pa USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Countryman? Not My Style of Country! Sorry Willie but I did not know this was reggae "music", if I had I would'nt have bought it. I have given it away! Submitted by david_rivelin (Sheffield. England. UK.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
willie still rules ! Willie just keeps getting better as he approaches the grave. He seems to know that he doesn't have much time left so now he's not fooling around. Solid music well crafted and nothing else.As good as LOST HIGHWAY . He's into it still and is showing the fans that he is still as good as he's always been, maybe better. Makes me wish that Johnny Cash lasted a bit longer ; he was getting real good again, too. Submitted by pat1 (Canader) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great album from ol' Willie! I am fans of many artists, such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc. I also am a fairly big country music fan and Willie Nelson is not only one of my favorite country artists, but one of my most favorites. I have lots of his albums and this one is definately a great one. It has a couple of bland-sounding tracks, though, but "Countryman" is still a superb work. His blend of reggae music along with his own style works very well, with the help of producer Don Was. It's a shame this album has received mixed reviews and Willie deserves more credit for his ability to go beyond another music genre like he does here. Submitted by Ron Haynes, Jr. (Covington/Cornelia, GA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Thanks Willie & Friends Great work !!, Money well spent. Experiment gone GREAT. A nice blend of reggae with Willie's unmistakable voice.It has some of his signature guitar work too. Nice backup vocals.
Gerry / Singapore Submitted by gerryboy1970 (Singapore) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Very Poor
willie still rules !
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