Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, featuring Norah Jones...
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, featuring Norah Jones: Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles
With the possible exception of Van Morrison, only Willie Nelson exists as the logical heir to Charles' mantle. Like Charles, Nelson's aptitude has been promiscuous, gobbling up and transforming genres previously not associated with him. Nelson's Stardust (Columbia, 1978) became a classic crossover recording, combining the organic features of country music with the Great American songbook. Now Nelson faces head on one of the most substantial American musical artists.
With vocal duet/sparring partner Jones, Nelson arranges the Charles book into a love affair suite. Such clever programing is a rare commodity today. Hot, cool and gone are the phases marked by "Hallelujah," "I Love You So Much It Hurts," "Cryin' Time" and "Hit The Road Jack." Jones proves Nelson's vocal equal on "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and "Here We Go Again" (the song also dueted with Charles on Genius Loves Company) and delivers a slippery "Makin' Whoopie."
The instrumental side of things is held firmly down by Wynton Marsalis and Mickey Raphael, who both turn in spirited solos throughout the recording. Here We Go Again could be accused of cashing in, but that would not be fair considering the superb musicianship and thought that went into its programming.
Track Listing
Hallelujah; Come Rain or Come Shine; Unchain My Heart; Cryin' Time; Loosing Hand; Hit The Road Jack; Movin' On; Busted; Here We Go Again; Making Whoopie; I Love You So Much It Hurts.
Personnel
Wynton Marsalis
trumpetWillie Nelson: vocals, guitar; Wynton Marsalis: trumpet; Norah Jones: piano, vocals; Mickey Raphael: harmonica; Walter Blanding: tenor saxophone; Dan Nimmer: piano; Carlos Henriquez: bass; Ali Jackson Jr: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Blue Note Records
About Wynton Marsalis
Tags
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Wynton Marsalis Concerts
Become a Sustaining Member
Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.
Help Build the Future of All About Jazz
Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.
Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.
Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.
