Willie Nelson and Family Show in Highland, CA (12/10/09)

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by Wess Woods, II
Willie Nelson and friends, including guest stars Asleep at the Wheel, take the stage Thursday at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland.  Harmonica player Mickey Raphael, who has played with Nelson for 35 years, said he has learned some valuable tips from his boss, whom he calls the “Zen master”:

“Don’t sweat the small stuff – and it’s all small stuff,” Raphael said in a phone interview during a stop on the “Willie Nelson & Family” tour.

Raphael sleeps in the “no-smoking” bus – one of four buses used on the tour, he said.

Raphael produced “Naked Willie,” featuring 17 Nelson songs with no background singers or strings.

“Everybody’s been very positive,” Raphael said about reviews of the album.

Nelson will have a “classic bluegrass country record” coming out in March 2010 with production by Grammy Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett.

“It’s going to be a great record,” Raphael said.

Nelson’s playing has changed over the years, he said.

“I think he’s getting better as a guitar player. He’s the only guitar player in the band now. It’s been great for me, because I’m such a fan of his playing.”


WILLIE NELSON
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino
777 San Manuel Blvd.
Highland

7:30 p.m. Thursday
800-359-2464
sanmanuel.com
www.ticketmaster.com

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