I have to admit to wincing when I first heard about a concert pairing of the outlaw of country music, Willie Nelson, with the classically trained, New Orleans bred, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. I have never been a big fan of Nelson, since first hearing his ultimate love 'em and leave 'em hit, You Were Always On My Mind. However, as strange as it sounds, these two legendary performers combine for an entertaining live performance of some of Ray Charles' most memorable hits, in this tribute to the "King of Soul," with a combination of jazz, blues, and a bit of a country swing, catured live on DVD in a 2009 concert entitled, Wynton Marsalis & Willie Nelson Play the Music of Ray Charles, filmed at New York's famed Lincoln Center.

This lively, upbeat performance also includes a guest appearance by jazz vocalist Norah Jones and wonderful ensemble including harmoinca player Mickey Raphael, pianist Dan Nimmer, basist Carlos Enriquez, drummer Ali Jackson, and saxophonist Walter Blanding. The result is a a very enjoyable, nicely paced, 90 minute evening of music.

The DVD opens with a brief commentary about the collaberative effort of the artists performing in the concert, featuring segments by Nelson, Marsalis, and Jones. The concert begins with a vibrant, highly improvisational, performance of Hallelujah, I Love Her So, with each of the musicians playing a brief solo, in this upbeat, feel-good, number. Additional highlights include Unchain My Heart, featuring a free-wheeling vocal by Willie Nelson and a soulful harmonica solo by Mickey Raphael, with Ali Jackson adding some slick percussion, and Marsalis blowing some catchy New Orleans style jazz notes, on trumpet. The ensemble really shines on Hit The Road Jack, as they combine on vocals with a sparkling sax solo by Walter Blanding, matched by Marsalis' mastery of the trumpet, and Nelson and Enriques adding a nice bass and guitar counterpoint.

Nelson and Jones join together for an uneven duet on the country style ballad, Crying Time, featuring a smooth upright bass solo by Carlos Enriques, and some plaintive harmonica lines from Raphael, on one of Charles' most memorable hits. Norah Jones's adds some silky smooth vocals on You Don't Know Me, featuring a soft, elegant arrangement, taking all of the country, out of one of Charles' most popular country style ballads. The band really rocks, with the punchy, piano driven, R & B number What'd I Say. The concert fittingly ends with That's All, a lively, New Orleans style jazz number.

The entire concert has a very loose, spontaneous, feel to it, spotlighting the strengths of each of the members of this outstanding ensemble of musicians, and breathing new life into some of Charles' biggest hits. Marsalis adds a distinctly New Orleans flavor to the music, while Nelson adds a slight country twinge.

The sound and visual quality are excellent, with the camera work alternating between close-ups and wider angle shots of the entire ensemble with soft, bright, lighting. The Lincoln Center serves as an elegant backdrop to this intriguing evening of music. 

Let's face it, Willie Nelson is no Ray Charles when it comes to vocals. Despite Nelson's uneven vocals, I was quite impressed by this seemingly disperate ensemble of taleneted musicians. Nelson's crusty vocals are somewhat tempered by Jones, smooth, sultry vocal style.

I highly recommend this DVD for fans of jazz and blues music. It is a fitting tribute to the genius of Ray Charles as  Marsalis, Nelson, Jones and company really light up the stage. It is an unexpected treat, from two music legends who obviously respect one another, and revel in their unique collaborative effort.

Complete List of Tracks:

Hallelujah, I Love Her So
You Are My Sunshine
Come Rain Or Come Shine
Unchain My Heart
Crying Time
Losing Hand
Hit The Road Jack
I'm Moving On
Busted
You Don't Know Me
Here We Go Again
Makin' Whoopie
I Love You So Much
Wha'd I Say
That's All

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older