Search - Willie Nelson :: Night And Day

...heartfelt labor of love...Willie & company salute D'jango

08/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen Willie Nelson perform innumerable times the gnawing desire to hear him play more guitar rises after each concert. His distinctive style on his famous gut-string guitar "Trigger" is as unique as his warm, edgy vocals and his honest, emotive songwriting. With his 1st all-instrumental release, "Night & Day" my prayers have been answered. Not only is Willie playing acoustically with his loyal Family band but he has put together a recording of subtlety and grace that bears all of the hallmarks of a "keeper" - one of those discs, like his "Stardust" and "Sings Kristofferson" that never stray far from the stereo rack. This is a tribute, of sorts, inspired by the legendary gypsy guitarist D'jango Reinhardt. Willie's heartfelt love for the guitarist's music is apparent on gorgeous songs such as Reinhardt's classic "Nuages" and a tune associated with him "Vous Et Moi". The highlight of the record is a rendition of Django's arrangement of the resilient title track. Featured throughout is the incomparable fiddler Johnny Gimble taking on the Stephane Grappelli role with aplomb. This record is beautiful and starkly haunting in its reverence for the genre, not to mention full of fun, catchy, swinging good times. I hear this is the first release on Willie's own label. We can't wait for what's to come."

This CD is the most tremendous!!!

08/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We have a lot of Willie's music and love it all. This new CD of his is the greatest and is the best music to relax with and just get focused again to the things are most important in ones life. We use it for massage therapy,also Thanks Willie for another beautiful album. We love you."

Warm and Gentle Willie & Friends

Joseph P. Donnelly | Deephaven, Minnesota USA | 08/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those who love the sound of Willie's guitar playing - this alblum, an instrumental, provides a lot of pleasure. The alblum's tone is warm, subdued, big-hearted, content. To see how warm and together the sound is, compare Willie's version here of "Bandera" with the much more stripped-down and low-budget sound of the same song on "Red Headed Stranger". Red Headed Stranger's tone evoked quiet evenings around a Western campfire, this alblum puts one in mind more of a mellow jazz club in New York.I think the alblum could have benefitted from some "mores": more songs, more minutes of music per song, and especially, more playing by Willie. He is a gracious host to his band-mates here, but few of the solos by the others are as memorable or enjoyable as Willie's always tasteful and understated guitar playing. I think the alblum could also have benefitted from a more consistent mood. I especially liked the contemplative feel of the first and second numbers as well as the aforementioned "Bandera", but there were one or two uptempo numbers which stuck out like argyle socks. Regardless, if you love Willie Nelson's music, this alblum is a modest, quiet little gem - perfect to read to, our just enjoy during a quiet evening or Sunday morning at home. Willie Nelson is a national treasure - let's hope he keeps making beautiful, sincere, intelligent music like this for many years to come."