Willie Nelson covers "Songbird"
 

And it's the title of his new album w/ Ryan Adams.

http://www.livedaily.com/news/Willie...0565.html?t=98

Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams issue new album this fall

August 17, 2006 01:40 PM
by Jon Zahlaway
liveDaily Senior Writer
Those waiting for Willie Nelson to spend his golden years in retirement will have to keep waiting; the prolific country legend has teamed with alt-rocker Ryan Adams on a soon-to-be-released album and, as always, continues to work the concert circuit.
On Halloween, Nelson will drop the new set, "Songbird," which is a collection of covers that includes new renditions of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," Gram Parsons' "$1000 Wedding," Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter's "Stella Blue," and the title track, which was written by Christine McVie and originally appeared on Fleetwood Mac's landmark album "Rumours."

The set also includes new renditions of Nelson classics such as "Sad Songs and Waltzes" and "We Don't Run," as well as two new Nelson originals: "Back to Earth" and "Blue Hotel," the latter of which was written by Adams, who also served as the album's producer.

Backing Nelson in the studio was Adams--who played acoustic, electric and bass guitars--as well as Adams' band, The Cardinals: Neal Casal (piano, guitar), Jon Graboff (pedal steel), Brad Pemberton (drums) and Catherine Popper (bass).

Nelson and Adams presumably will preview some of the new material during their Sept. 10 concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where the two will share the stage on the third and final night of Nelson's upcoming run at the venue. The show is part of Nelson's in-progress summer tour, much of which comprises co-headlining shows with John Fogerty.

What a fantastic combination! Great that Ryan produces. I'd LOVE to hear them sing together! Thanks for the heads up (again), Livia!

Yeah, I'm going to ACL - I can't wait!

Im a SIRIUS radio member, and they have been talking about this release non-stop. In fact, the buzz is as big as the Jack White/Loretta Lynn release (which I adored). Being a Texan, I have grown up with Willie and have had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times. He is, without a doubt, a legend.
Gonna see him at ACL next month and can't wait....

rbs

I'm not much for covers of my favorite songs, especially by a favorite artist. I like to hear Christine McVie songs sung by Christine. But, I did see your post in the Christine forum. :)

sorry i must have missed this... i am travelling but i see it now!! :thumbsup:

Hmm, sounds like an interesting combination.

I am very happy to see someone with the reputation of Willie Nelson covering a song by Christine. It gives credibility to her as a songwriter. Although I am sure I agree that Christine herself does the best possible version of "Songbird," I hope I will get a chance to hear Willie's version.

-Joanne (fan since 1974)

I actually think Eva Cassidy's version tops the original...by a slim margin.

C'mon, you just don't wanna say anything nice about Rumours. :p

Have you HEARD Eva Cassidy's version?? :shrug:

I LIKED Rumours until around 1983. There. Happy?

It's definitely a close call as to which I prefer. The Eva Cassidy version is by far the more legendary one. Before I got into Fleetwood Mac I didn't even know it was a Mac song. Both are fantastic :nod:

I don't recall ever hearing Eva Cassidy's version. Can I hear it online anywhere?

-Joanne (fan since 1974)

:blob2: :blob1: :blob2:

i will be buying the album for this, not Songbird.

thanks for the heads up :wavey:

I love Willie. I can hear this version in my head, though I've never heard it...his singing doesn't really change from song to song.