This is the greatest of Willie Nelson albums. It was recorded with the legendary Freddy Powers (and most of Powers' band). Powers is known as "The Country Jazz Singer," and his voice pushes Nelson. Nelson sings ahead and behind the beat, and Powers matches his musical skills. This is an absolutely stunning album, and hardly anyone knows it exists.

I am a long standing fan and have many of his albums. If you only get 2, get this one and Stardust. They are both beyond excellent.

I'm disappointed with this one, sadly surprised. The musicians are great and the vocals by Freddie Powers are a nice treat but where the heck was Willie when they picked these songs? He sounds smooth but I swear you could plug a few quarters in him and get a few more tunes out of him -- he's on 'automatic' it seems for a very short collection.

I'm glad they titled 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" because I never would have recognized it.

Star Dust stands alone, nothing can come close to that. He put more energy and thought in one song (Moonlight in Vermont) than he did in this entire collection on Rainbow. The best Willie, for me, is Milk Cow Blues and right now Cindy Walker is neck to neck with Red Headed Stranger.

If you get a chance to hear the original Milk Cow Blues, or one of them, by Sidney Bechet and then listen to Willie you can't help but be impressed by the depth of this mans' talent and passion for music.

I'd skip Over the Rainbow if you're new to Willie -- if you want the commercial Willie, get Star Dust which is beautiful and warm and loving. If you want some serious blues and singing get Milk Cow Blues and now, if you want to kick up your heels or go cheek-to-cheek, get the Cindy Walker (amazingly talented woman).

But hey, it's WIllie and ya gotta love the man.

This is just a wonderful CD. Willie is wonderful and the backup band is fantastic. One of the best versions of Over the Rainbow I have ever heard.

This CD is what you would get when Wille and Freddy play in the living room. A lot of us, in Austin, have been in the living room for this kind of jam. (See Rodgers and Hammerhead)

Freddy is the best rhythm guitarist in Texas. His songs have been hits for Willie, a half dozen for Merle, George Jones and Ray Charles. He is a Texas treasure. Willie sings swing songs better than ever, on this CD. You can hear the reckless fun that went on in the studio. The late Paul Buskirk was a mentor for both Willie AND Freddy and they were lucky to get this session recorded while he was still with us. THIS IS AN AMAZING, INTIMATE CD!!!