Willie Nelson in Austin

[Soul Stream]

Man, I'm on a roll. Saturday night, David Fathead Newman. Sunday night, Ornette Coleman. And Monday night (tonight) Willie Nelson! Pretty good 3 nights here in Austin.

A friend got me an All Access pass, so I got to meet Willie and really dig all the backstage/bus stuff. Getting to Willie has got to have more security points than the president! But it was a real joy to meet a legend like that. Anyway, he put on a super, super long show. For a guy his age, it was pretty unbelievable that he went over 2 hours straight. And sans for 2 spotlight songs for his sister and other guitarist, Willie was front and center the whole time. No banter, just song after song after song with no dead time in between. Amazing.

His singing was great, but his guitar playing was other worldly. He played stuff on Blue Skies that would have made Miles smile.

[Soul Stream]

Clem,

Amazingly enough, this is the first time I've ever seen Willie! So, I don't know about the set list and whether or not he played anthing unusual. What struck me most was how MANY songs he played. I mean, he didn't pause between songs. The whole thing was like a full-length medley that consituted a concert. He really blew me away.

By the way, a new favorite of mine I haven't heard a whole lot is his "Still is still moving".

And yes, he is playing guitar again and incredibley so. He was tearing it up and until you reminded me, would have never guessed he's not been playing it lately. Also, when I shook his hand he had an incredibley firm handshake! Didn't seem like he had any sort of problem with his hands....

Edited November 16, 2004 by Soul Stream