Night and Day

Willie Nelson

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 13, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Free Falls Ent.
• ASIN: B00000JJWB
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,896 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The sound of Trigger, Willie Nelson's gut-string guitar, remains one of the most distinctive in all of music. On this affectionate record, Nelson's first all-instrumental affair, Trigger alone takes center stage, guiding Nelson's usual cast of characters through a low-key yet always engaging set. Nelson's playing is, as usual, completely natural and unaffected, tasteful and restrained, a masterful blend of pith, playfulness, and patience. Longtime cohorts such as Nelson's sister Bobbie (piano), Johnny Gimble (fiddle), and Mickey Raphael (harmonica) are sympathetic in support and equally elegant in their soloing. Jaunty in some spots, reflective in others, Night and Day reveals yet another aspect of Nelson's singular artistry. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...heartfelt labor of love...Willie & company salute D'jango, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

Having seen Willie Nelson perform innumerable times the gnawing desire to hear him play more guitar rises after each concert. His distinctive style on his famous gut-string guitar "Trigger" is as unique as his warm, edgy vocals and his honest, emotive songwriting. With his 1st all-instrumental release, "Night & Day" my prayers have been answered. Not only is Willie playing acoustically with his loyal Family band but he has put together a recording of subtlety and grace that bears all of the hallmarks of a "keeper" - one of those discs, like his "Stardust" and "Sings Kristofferson" that never stray far from the stereo rack. This is a tribute, of sorts, inspired by the legendary gypsy guitarist D'jango Reinhardt. Willie's heartfelt love for the guitarist's music is apparent on gorgeous songs such as Reinhardt's classic "Nuages" and a tune associated with him "Vous Et Moi". The highlight of the record is a rendition of Django's arrangement of the resilient title track. Featured throughout is the incomparable fiddler Johnny Gimble taking on the Stephane Grappelli role with aplomb. This record is beautiful and starkly haunting in its reverence for the genre, not to mention full of fun, catchy, swinging good times. I hear this is the first release on Willie's own label. We can't wait for what's to come.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD is the most tremendous!!!, August 24, 1999

By A Customer

We have a lot of Willie's music and love it all. This new CD of his is the greatest and is the best music to relax with and just get focused again to the things are most important in ones life. We use it for massage therapy,also Thanks Willie for another beautiful album. We love you.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Warm and Gentle Willie & Friends, August 30, 2000

By	Joseph P. Donnelly (Deephaven, Minnesota USA) - See all my reviews

For those who love the sound of Willie's guitar playing - this alblum, an instrumental, provides a lot of pleasure. The alblum's tone is warm, subdued, big-hearted, content. To see how warm and together the sound is, compare Willie's version here of "Bandera" with the much more stripped-down and low-budget sound of the same song on "Red Headed Stranger". Red Headed Stranger's tone evoked quiet evenings around a Western campfire, this alblum puts one in mind more of a mellow jazz club in New York.

I think the alblum could have benefitted from some "mores": more songs, more minutes of music per song, and especially, more playing by Willie. He is a gracious host to his band-mates here, but few of the solos by the others are as memorable or enjoyable as Willie's always tasteful and understated guitar playing.

I think the alblum could also have benefitted from a more consistent mood. I especially liked the contemplative feel of the first and second numbers as well as the aforementioned "Bandera", but there were one or two uptempo numbers which stuck out like argyle socks.

Regardless, if you love Willie Nelson's music, this alblum is a modest, quiet little gem - perfect to read to, our just enjoy during a quiet evening or Sunday morning at home. Willie Nelson is a national treasure - let's hope he keeps making beautiful, sincere, intelligent music like this for many years to come.