Merle and Waylon

03.03.2006 -- Review by: C. Eric Banister

Two of the newest releases feature two Country legends: Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.

Merle Haggards appearance is from October 1985 and features much of the classic lineup of the Strangers, with the edition of a larger horn section. The album kicks off with a rousing Dixieland infused rendition of "Okie from Muskogee’s Coming Home" and follows with 14 more classic Merle numbers. Merle was in great voice and the Strangers in fine form during this appearance.

1989 marked Waylon’s second appearance on ACL, but this Waylon was a freshly clean and sober one and his exuberance and fun-loving spirit shine through in this performance. Wife Jessi Colter is featured on two of the nineteen tracks, "Suspicious Minds" and "Honky Tonk Angels." Many of Waylon’s classics are here including "Amanda, "Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys," and "Luckenbach, TX (Back To The Basics Of Love)."

Both of these releases will make great additions to any collection showcasing two of Country’s greatest performers on one of the greatest music showcases around.

http://www.newwestrecords.com