Willie Nelson on A&E last night

Subject: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:33 PM

I'm kicking myself, I forgot that Willie was Live on A&E last night. Did anyone see it, and if so, how was it? Does anyone know if they're rebroadcasting it?

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:47 PM

Amazing artist....but hooo-boy, is he doing some radical vocals! I'd be interested to know how folks here reacted to how far ahead and behind the beat he's singing these days. They used to say he phrased like Ella Fitzgerald, but he's taken it into a whole other galaxy.

Only saw a few minutes of it, but it was great. It's terrific to see someone(ostensibly) in the "country" field take the liberties he did.

Rick

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Max
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:48 PM

I saw it. Just a couple of weeks after seeing him live and in person here in Philly. I must say, the show last night was almost as good as being there. It was like an instant replay. He and his band was hot, and the program was very well done. I felt like applauding in my living room after the songs.

Don't know if they will rebroadcast it.

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Dave Swan
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:57 PM

I saw the Highwaymen perform some years ago. One of the most interesting parts of the show was seeing who could follow Willie for the longest time. Just about every time hed take a few bars, and every time he had a solo, the questions were "Where is he?" and "When do we come back in ?"

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 01:06 PM

Now don't laugh! I've seen Bill Monroe do that as well. Not to that extent of course, but especially in his instrumentals. Sounds like the band has lost him...but when you listen carefully you see that he always brings it back.

What also fascinated me was how he continues to redefine his already unique guitar style. VERRY few musicians continue to evolve year after year in the way he has, and I suspect it probably irritates quite a few listeners. I've watched a few (like Waylon) try, but they sound awkward and unnatural. Willie just slides into it....and pity the back-up musician who falls asleep!

Rick

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Pene Azul
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 01:08 PM

Sorry I missed that. According to their website, they will rebroadcast it Sat. August 19 from 9 to 11pm and Sun. August 20 1 to 3 am, Eastern and Pacific US time.

PA

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 01:20 PM

Max,

I haven't seen many performers who give their all at a show like Willie does. And his band is so tight. Truly professionals.

A friend of mine told me they did a lot of blues last night. Can't wait to hear that.

Pene, Thank you for the broadcast info, time to load up the VCR.

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Max
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 01:42 PM

Yes, I was surprised at how much blues he did both last night and when I saw him a couple of weeks ago. I certainly can't complain. He sure knows how to fit a lot of songs in one show. Still rockin at 67. I could practice for another 9 years, and when my daughter goes to college, start my music career at 37 and have 30 years in the business and still rock? I'm in. Thanks Willie.

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Dee45
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 02:49 PM

I too watched all of the performance. While I admire Willie greatly, the thing that I was most struck with (as others have mentioned) is his phrasing, both vocally and instrumentally. It's as if he's in his own little world completely oblivious to everything. He phrases every song as if he can't wait to finish it, which is somewhat unusual since many vocalists prefer back-phrasing as opposed to foward-phrasing. This is what gives him such a rushed quality, and the same with his guitar playing, which is so jazzy and Django on the one hand, and so utterly unique on the other.

If you were a musician in his band, not only would you have to know his entire repertoire in your sleep, but would have to always be listening and completely focussed (while appearing laid back), anticipate him on a breath's notice, and be telepathic as well.

He and the band, are in a word, extraordinary.

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Jim Krause
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 02:53 PM

I saw about half of it, I guess. I sat there listening and I thought "Man, how do the backup musicians follow him?" His guitar solos were, um, something else. But for all my griping about his phrasing, seeing an old dude like that gave me hope. He's twenty years older than I am. Hope I can keep on doing it when I'm 67. By the way, did he sing "Remember Me When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming"? I had to turn it off before the show ended. Soddy

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 03:19 PM

Willie Nelson is amazing. I missed it because of Monday night song circle, but fortunately a friend taped it, so I should get to see it shortly.

Has anyone read his autobiography "Willie"? It's a wonderful book!

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 03:32 PM

Little Hawk,

I read it. It was really an eye opener, certainly insptirational and quite humorous. I loved the part where he described why he stopped having backstage events after shows.

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 10:09 AM

I was worn out when I watched, but the whole thing kept me awake because I was wondering when it would all fall apart. Everyone has mentioned the phrasing, melodies, guitar styles and solos..............The whole thing was kind of jangling and intriguing at the same time. I think he must have either the most frustrated musicians on earth or a bunch of people who have the ultimate confidence that its all going to come out OK. I really enjoyed it!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Willie Nelson on A&E last night
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:49 AM

I met Jody Payne, Willie's guitar player after a Willie Show. He is the "newest" member of the Family, joined in 1974. I think they've played enough together to figure out where Willie's going next, even if Willie doesn't always. Jody absolutely loves playing with Willie. I don't think Willie has ever played the same solo twice, he just plays what he's feeling at the time. He's one of my favourites, fine player, great writer and a wonderful singer. And Jody is a great guy to have a chat with.