LAST OF THE BREED - WILLIE NELSON, MERLE HAGGARD, RAY PRICE
As if these three luminaries joining forces for the first time to record a two-disc set of classic songs weren’t enough, producer Fred Foster is also onboard. Legendary musicians Buddy Emmons, Boots Randolph, Johnny Gimble and the Jordanaires also add their exceptional talents. Likewise, Vince Gill — with Price on “Heartaches by the Number” — and Kris Kristofferson — on (what else?) “Why Me Lord?” with Nelson and Price — make appearances. Name-checking aside, the trio’s handling of everything from “I’ll Keep On Loving You” to “Pick Me Up on Your Way Down” to “Sweet Memories” is nothing less than outstanding. And two new songs — Nelson’s “Back to Earth” and Haggard’s co-write with Kenny Vernon on “Sweet Jesus” — fit right in with the classics. If there’s a disappointment, it’s that time may keep these three from ever recording together again.
