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by: James Bealy
Willie’s Nelson’s new album “December Day” is as smooth as lightly-falling snow and warm as a glowing fireplace on a winter’s afternoon.
Nelson already scored a number one hit earlier this year with “Band of Brothers,” an album filled with backing by ace session musicians and featuring slick production.
The new “December Day” album is subtitled “Willie’s Stash Vol. 1” by “Willie Nelson and Sister Bobbie.” It’s vastly different than “Band of Brothers.” With a few exceptions, the only musicians on most tracks are Willie on guitar and vocals, his sister, Bobbie Nelson, on piano and band member Mickey Raphael on harmonica.
This album doesn’t feature the rollicking outlaw who is in the forefront on “Band of Brothers.” Instead, envision Willie and Bobbie Nelson sitting around playing songs they love, without worrying about commercial consideration. Some songs are so laid-back, they make Nat King Cole sound like punk rock — but in this case, that’s a good thing.
The album has only two upbeat numbers and they bookend the 18 tracks on “December Day.” Still, the number of ballads doesn’t bog down the album, but instead sets a mood.
This is not country music per se, but more of a throwback to Willie’s great 1978 album “Stardust.” The new album is a mix of lesser-known gems from Willie’s back catalogue and standouts from the Great American Songbook, with a few of his newer songs spicing the mix.
One of the best things about the album is it’s filled with Willie’s signature guitar playing on his classical Martin guitar, Trigger. He’s been heavily influenced by jazz great Django Reinhardt and it shows.
Willie fills “December Day” with a number of memorable guitar solos, which makes me wonder why he’s not included more often on lists of the all-time best guitarists.
On “December Day” his vocals are mixed way up-front, along with his guitar. Raphael’s harmonica adds atmospheric shadings throughout the album.