Review: Songbird - Willie Nelson

It wasn't always like this. Before, it was the older stars taking the up-and-comers under their wings, showing them the ropes and giving them their first shot at the big time. Johnny Cash and his influence on such greats like Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson come to mind along these lines. Yet, in latter years, it seems as though the trend has changed. Now we are faced with the new dynamic of younger artists who are reaching out to the old guard, seeking to bring them the fame and new audience that many consider them worthy of. Producer Rick Rubin did it with the aforementioned Johnny Cash, helping Cash to achieve legendary status and to produce what is arguably the best music of his career. Jack White did the same with longtime country maven, Loretta Lynn, helping her to walk home in 2005 with two new Grammy awards for her mantle. Now it's rocker Ryan Adams turn, as he helps to bring the music and soul of Willie Nelson to a new audience with the release of Songbird.

Now, it's not that the seventy-three year old legend needed help. Unlike Cash and Lynn, Nelson has maintained a rigorous touring and recording schedule, this album being his third release in eighteen months. His shows pack out auditoriums and fill the seats night in and out. So, why did this country music legend partner with Adams? One can only think that it must have to do with Nelson's tireless pursuit of creativity. His landmark concept piece, Red Headed Stranger, put him onto the map and his beautiful album of popular standards, Stardust, turned even more heads. Nelson clearly doesn't like to play it safe.