Willie Nelson: 'Songbird'

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Willie Nelson: 'Songbird'
Musical gamble pays off

By MICHAEL McCALL
Associated Press
Published on: 10/31/2006

COUNTRY
Willie Nelson
"Songbird."

"Songbird" may be credited to Nelson, but it's truly a joint effort. Ryan Adams' band, the Cardinals, lays down the tracks, and the arrangements sound more like Adams' album "Jacksonville City Nights" than anything Nelson has ever recorded. Still, Nelson's the only voice we hear, and his sly, mystical intonation and jazzy, heavy-string acoustic guitar blend well with the Cardinals' loping Americana sound. This time, these two compulsive artists gamble and win.