Nearly 30 years after Stardust, Willie Nelson returned to the warm and supple standards that once dominated the American musical landscape with American Classic.
Produced by studio legend Tommy LiPuma, this 12-song set goes down nice and easy, like a cool drink on a hot summer’s day. Nelson’s joined by Diana Krall on “If I Had You,” Norah Jones on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” longtime harmonica accompanist Mickey Raphael on “Angel Eyes” and “If I Fell for You,” and keyboardist Joe Sample, who anchors the session with piano and organ flourishes.
Nelson’s voice warbles as he digs deep from song to song, reminding us why he’s America’s preeminent interpreter of all forms of music, from country to reggae to jazz. Nelson is indeed an American classic.
