It’s no small signifier that Willie NelsonHis calls Family on TourAlthough Bobbie Nelson, his sister and pianist, is his only blood relative, the rest of his core group are long-time friends who he treats as his own family.
Furthermore, the Family band has often expanded in recent years to include Lukas and Micah Nelson, Willie’s two youngest children. His shows will end with a gospel medley. Paula Nelson and Amy Nelson often sing backstage as their father travels.
Bobbie and Lukas as well as Micah, Paula, Amy, and Micah all feature on the album cover. “Willie Nelson Family.” It’s the first time he’s gathered that full group for a studio project, though he’s been leaning in a familial direction lately, releasing “December Day”Bobbie, 2014 “Willie and the Boys”With Lukas, Micah and Micah in 2017.
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Spiritual tunes are the main focus of this playlist, with Willie originals including “Kneel at the Feet of Jesus” “Family Bible” sharing space with Hank Williams’ iconic “I Saw the Light” and C. Austin Miles’ century-old hymn “In the Garden.”Paula and Amy’s contributions mainly involve backing vocals for these tunes, adding to their gospel-choir feeling.
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The arrangements are simple, often centered on Bobbie’s piano as longtime Willie sidekick Mickey Raphael colors the background with harmonica accents. These songs are short: Only two songs are longer than others, and a few are shorter than two. The total time for twelve songs is just over half an hour.
The album’s most memorable song is also its highlight. Lukas leads the vocals on this transcendent rendition. “All Things Must Pass,” the melancholy title track to George Harrison’s first post-Beatles album in 1970. Micah plays the drums and bass, while Willie lends gravitas to the chorus. It’s a thing of beauty, perhaps suggesting an acoustic all-covers album in Lukas’ future.
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Willie’s touring rhythm section of drummer Billy English and bassist Kevin Smith also appear, as does the late Paul English on percussion. Willie and Steve Chadie produced the album at Pedernales Studios, Spicewood, Texas.
