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‘IF IT'S GOT A HORSE OR A GUITAR IN IT THEN I'M A SUCKER FOR IT'
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The Man in Black may get all the plaudits but there’s another legendary hombre, WILLIE NELSON, who deserves some props. Ninian Dunnett explains just why.
f there was ever a danger of old-style country stars
being entombed in the harrowing image of a dying
Johnny (‘ash singing ‘Ilurt'. it's just dandy to have Willie Nelson to remind us there‘s plenty of life in some old dogs.
The irrepressible Nelson is riding a wave of
popularity unequalled since the I‘)7()s’. It‘s been a bumpy ride for the septuagenarian. but through the parade of wives. fortunes made and lost and personal troubles. Nelson has always been a musician‘s
musician: a composer. performer and arranger of
exceptional talents who has earned a place among the greats of popular music.
While (‘ash was at his most famous in the l‘)5()s. Nelson was a Iirank Sinatra-obsessed outsider playing honky—tonks in central Texas cotton-farming country. He was in his late 20s by the time he made it to
Nashville. and an outstanding songwriting career
which encompassed ‘Night l.ife‘ for Ray Price. ‘IIullo Walls‘ for Faron Young. and the most played jukebox song ever ~ Patsy (‘line‘s ‘(‘ra/y'.
A breakthrough as a performer was more elusive. and it wasn‘t until he junked the session musicians and string sections in l‘)73 that he became a star. The transformation included a switch to hippy garb. long hair and denims. brewing up the ‘()utlaw‘ movement with fellow maverick Waylon Jennings. But although this was a crossover which both appalled the Nashville traditionalists and dragged the fossilised country genre kicking and screaming into the mainstream. it was Nelson‘s way of asserting the independence which allowed him. at last. to make his
70 THE LIST 17-31 Mar 3005
own beguiling music.
It is an independence which has been hard-won and bitterly defended. most dramatically in his dealings with the IRS. which swooped at his low point of popularity in the l‘)ts’(ls to take his priyate jet. golf course and town (‘\\'illieville‘). and were eventually paid off in I‘M}. “is income before and since has been bolstered by a string of genial movie and TV roles. for which he makes no great claims: 'lf it‘s got a horse in it or a guitar in it then I’m a sucker for it.‘
Both an old-style band leader and a restless troubadour. Nelson still spends tip to Bill nights a year on tour with his bus. 'Honeysuckle Rose‘. And his seven-piece band is still. at core. the trusted ensemble he assembled more than 30 years ago and aptly titled ‘Iiamilyi. for they include his sister Bobbie on piano and the wailing harmonica of Mickey Raphael. Nelson is not one to let 'product‘ get in the way of a good show. and a Willie Nelson concert is unconfined by genre but rarely straying far from the dependable strengths of a catalogue of classics: "()n the Road Again‘. '\\'hiskey Rivet". ‘Mammas Don't Let Your Babies (irow [p to Be (‘owboys‘ and ‘I‘unny' How Time Slips Away ‘.
But the real thrill of a live show is that lived-in voice and its unique. conversational. around-the-beat phrasing. And a famous 40-year-old plectrum-holed Martin guitar whose owner plays it with per‘ctissive rhythms and distinctive runs of semitones. but also with the nimbly' melodic flights of a questing spirit.
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Fri 25—Tue 29 Mar.
Nas There‘s a reason why rappers rate this man as among the finest ryhmers ever. This rare live appearance is a chance to find out what It is. See prewew. Carling Academy, Glasgow, Fri 78 Mar. (Rock 8. pop)
Eliza Carthy and Sharon Shannon Band Two of the leading lights of British folk music join forces for a show in which they showcase new bands and explore music from all over the British isles. See preview. The eXchange, Edinburgh, Fri 78 Mar; Tolbooth, Stirling, Sat 79 Mar. (Folk 8. world)
Todd Gordon Vocalist Todd Gordon continues to gather admirers for his Sinatra- influenced approach to jazz standards. Focus tonight is on the songs of Irving Berlin. The Tron, Glasgow, Sun 20 Mar. (JaZZ)
Kylie Minogue Does she really need that tawdry surname these days? Five action-packed nights of high art, high campery. whistles. bangs and flashing lights -— even some pop music if your lucky too. See Big Picture. page 1 1. SECC, Glasgow. Sat 79, Sun 20, Tue 22— Thu 24 Mar. (Rock 8 pop)
Salsa Celtica Salsa collides with Scottish folk and jazz in this popular Edinburgh-based outift. and they should make plenty impact in this intimate venue. Be ready to sweat. Henry '3 Jag Cellar, Edinburgh, Wed 23—Sat 26 Mar. (Folk 8 world, Jag)
Willie Nelson The Anti-Kylie provides none too subtle a contrast just across town. see preview. left. Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Fri 25— Tue 29 Mar. (Rock 8 pop)
Teenage Fanclub Sneaking back onto the radar with this relatively wee local show, new album Man Made is arriving imminently. If you miss this show there’s more to come later in the spring. Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow, 37 Mar. (Rock 8 pop)