Asleep at the Wheel Willie Nelson: A Legendary Collaboration That Redefines Swing!

Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel joined forces to create a masterpiece of Western Swing with their album "Willie and the Wheel." Released in 2009, this collaboration brought together two giants of country music to pay homage to a beloved American genre.

The album showcases Willie Nelson's timeless vocals alongside Asleep at the Wheel's virtuosic musicianship, resulting in a vibrant celebration of Western Swing. Produced by Ray Benson, the frontman of Asleep at the Wheel, "Willie and the Wheel" features classic songs that transport listeners to the golden age of swing.

This project was years in the making, originally conceived by legendary music producer Jerry Wexler. The album earned critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, cementing its place in the pantheon of country music collaborations.

Background of 'Willie and the Wheel'

'Willie and the Wheel' emerged from a shared passion for Western swing music. The album brought together two iconic Texas artists in a collaboration that celebrated the genre's rich history and enduring appeal.

Conceptualization and Collaboration

The idea for 'Willie and the Wheel' originated with legendary producer Jerry Wexler. He envisioned pairing Willie Nelson with Asleep at the Wheel, a band known for preserving Western swing traditions. The project took shape after Wexler saw Asleep at the Wheel backing Willie Nelson on a 2007 tour.

Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel's frontman, played a crucial role in bringing the concept to fruition. The album, released in 2009, featured Nelson's distinctive vocals alongside the Wheel's expert musicianship.

The Influence of Western Swing

Western swing, pioneered by artists like Bob Wills and Spade Cooley, heavily influenced the album's sound and song selection. This genre blends elements of country, jazz, and blues, creating a danceable, upbeat style.

'Willie and the Wheel' pays homage to this musical tradition. The album includes classic Western swing tunes and showcases the genre's characteristic instrumentation, such as fiddles, steel guitars, and horn sections.

Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel's shared Texas roots and deep appreciation for Western swing music lent authenticity to the project. Their collaboration highlighted the genre's ongoing relevance in contemporary country music.

Album Overview

Willie and the Wheel is a collaborative album between Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel. It brings together two country music legends for a nostalgic journey through Western swing classics.

Release Details

Willie and the Wheel hit the shelves on February 3, 2009. Bismeaux Records, the independent label founded by Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson, released the album.

The project originated from an idea by Jerry Wexler, a renowned Atlantic Records executive. Wexler had curated a selection of classic Western swing songs for Willie Nelson to record years earlier.

Ray Benson and his band Asleep at the Wheel joined forces with Nelson to bring this concept to life. Their collaboration resulted in a 12-track album featuring beloved swing standards.

Critical Reception

The album garnered positive reviews from music critics. Many praised the seamless blend of Nelson's distinctive voice with Asleep at the Wheel's expert musicianship.

Critics appreciated the album's authenticity in reviving the Western swing genre. The project's ability to capture the spirit of classic country music resonated with reviewers.

Willie and the Wheel received industry recognition with a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. This nod from the Recording Academy highlighted the album's impact and quality.

Music journalists commended the song selection, noting how well the chosen tracks showcased both artists' strengths. The album was seen as a successful tribute to a cherished American musical tradition.

Track Analysis

The collaboration between Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel resulted in a diverse collection of Western swing classics. Each track showcases the artists' musical prowess and pays homage to the genre's roots.

'Bring It on Down to My House'

This upbeat opener sets the tone for the album. Willie Nelson's distinctive vocals blend seamlessly with Asleep at the Wheel's tight instrumentation. The song features a lively fiddle solo and playful lyrics that invite listeners to join the party.

Ray Benson's guitar work complements Nelson's vocals, creating a dynamic interplay between the two performers. The track's swinging rhythm and catchy chorus make it an instant crowd-pleaser.

'Right or Wrong'

A classic Western swing number, 'Right or Wrong' showcases the album's vintage sound. Nelson's interpretation brings a touch of melancholy to the lovelorn lyrics. The steel guitar adds a layer of emotional depth to the arrangement.

The song's waltz tempo allows the band to demonstrate their musical versatility. Asleep at the Wheel's backing vocals provide a rich harmony that enhances the track's nostalgic feel.

'Corrine Corrina'

This traditional folk song gets a spirited Western swing makeover. The bouncy rhythm and call-and-response vocals between Nelson and the band create an infectious energy. A standout piano solo adds a touch of honky-tonk flair to the mix.

The track's arrangement highlights the chemistry between Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel. Their combined talents breathe new life into this timeless tune.

'I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None O' This Jelly Roll'

This playful number showcases the album's lighter side. The innuendo-laden lyrics are delivered with a wink and a smile by Nelson. Asleep at the Wheel's horn section shines on this track, adding a jazzy element to the Western swing sound.

The song's structure allows for extended instrumental breaks, giving each band member a chance to display their musical chops. The interplay between the various instruments creates a rich, full sound that captures the essence of classic Western swing.

Musician Contributions

Willie Nelson and Ray Benson brought their distinctive talents to "Willie and the Wheel," creating a unique blend of Western swing. Guest musicians added depth and richness to the album's sound.

Willie Nelson's Vocals and Guitar

Willie Nelson's unmistakable voice and guitar playing were central to the album's success. His nasal twang and relaxed phrasing perfectly complemented the Western swing style. Nelson's acoustic guitar work, characterized by his signature nylon-string sound, added a subtle texture to the arrangements.

Nelson's contributions extended beyond his musical skills. His star power and creative input helped shape the project's direction. He selected several songs for the album, drawing from his vast knowledge of American popular music.

Ray Benson's Role and Performance

Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel's frontman, played a crucial role in "Willie and the Wheel." His deep baritone voice provided a striking contrast to Nelson's higher register. Benson's guitar work, both rhythm and lead, formed the backbone of many tracks.

As the project's producer, Benson oversaw the album's musical direction. He ensured the arrangements stayed true to the Western swing tradition while allowing for fresh interpretations. Benson's expertise in the genre was invaluable in creating an authentic sound.

Notable Guest Musicians

"Willie and the Wheel" featured contributions from several talented guest musicians. Paul Shaffer, known for his work on late-night television, added lively piano parts to several tracks. Jason Roberts' fiddle playing brought a traditional Western swing flavor to the album.

Sam Seifert, a longtime collaborator of Nelson's, contributed additional guitar work. His playing complemented Nelson's style while adding its own distinct voice to the mix. The album also featured skilled steel guitar performances, a hallmark of the Western swing sound.

These guest musicians helped create a full, rich sound that captured the spirit of classic Western swing while adding contemporary touches.

Legacy and Impact on Genre

Asleep at the Wheel and Willie Nelson's collaboration has left an indelible mark on Western Swing music. Their partnership revitalized interest in this classic genre, introducing it to new generations of listeners.

The album "Willie and the Wheel" showcased the timeless appeal of Western Swing. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, highlighting its significance in preserving and promoting this musical style.

Asleep at the Wheel, led by Ray Benson, has been instrumental in keeping Bob Wills' legacy alive. Their dedication to the genre has inspired other artists to explore and incorporate Western Swing elements into their music.

Willie Nelson's involvement lent additional credibility to the genre's revival. His star power helped bring Western Swing to a wider audience, ensuring its continued relevance in country music.

The collaboration between these artists has inspired numerous tribute albums and performances. This ongoing celebration of Western Swing has helped maintain its place in American musical heritage.

Their work has also influenced contemporary country artists. Many have incorporated Western Swing elements into their music, ensuring the genre's evolution and longevity.

Deluxe Version and Additional Content

The collaboration between Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel resulted in a special deluxe edition of their album "Willie and the Wheel". This version offers fans extra content beyond the standard release.

The deluxe CD includes bonus tracks not found on the regular album. These additional songs give listeners more of the western swing sound that defines the project.

Unique collectible items accompany the deluxe package. Postcards and stamps are included, adding visual appeal for fans and collectors of memorabilia.

Released on February 3, 2009, the deluxe edition provides an expanded experience of the album. It showcases the musical partnership between Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel in greater depth.

The extra material in the deluxe version allows fans to further appreciate the chemistry between these veteran artists. It highlights their shared love for the western swing genre.

For enthusiasts of Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, or western swing music, the deluxe CD offers a comprehensive package. It combines audio content with physical collectibles for a complete fan experience.