After his minimualist experimentation with Canadian producer Daniel Lanois on Teatro and the somber and introspective Spirit, Willie and company are back to basics. The results are nothing short of astonding. Willie's strength has always been in his ability to seamlessly fuse his jazz oriented vocal styling with simple, understated country sensibilities. His unique phrasing and the way his vocals lag behind the beat provides the listener with the perspective that he is singing to you and you alone, (at least that's how I feel).

I recently saw Willie perform at Westbury Music Fair, where he included I Let My Mind Wonder, I Guess I'll Live Here In Your Eyes and Forgiving You Was Easy. Let me tell you, the audience was with him all the way. These new songs have all the appeal and impact of his tried-and-true classics.

Willie Nelson, in my opinion, is a national treasure. His talent as both a songwriter and performer rank him along with Ray Charles as the greatest living American musicians. Me and the Drummer is yet another installment in the long and monumental career of this American orginal.

I have lots of Willie CD's, and vinyl, and there's even a cassette or two around. Of all his music, I believe this is his best ever. I can hardly believe Willie didn't write the title song, because it is perfect for him. No matter what other Willie music you own, you need this CD to make your collection complete.

That tatterd guitar and the years of heart-breaking living come to the surface on this album. You hear strains of "Me & Paul" on the title track and the the others bring you back to 'Blue Eyes' and 'Bloody Mary Morning'---the golden years! This is a great album.

I ordered this a mumber of years ago. I consider it about the best Willie I have, I wouod encourage anyone to purchase this while it is available!!