Review: Last of the Breed - Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, & Ray Price

There are some unique formulas out there that just seem to always produce something special when the ingredients come together. Consider, for example, the Colonel's legendary eleven herbs and spices that have satisfied many a hungry taste bud, or the squeaky clean surfaces left behind by the likes of Formula 409, not to mention the plethora of ills that comprise that cleanser known as Windex. The results just can't be denied. Here's another formula to add to that list. Take one part Willie Nelson, one part Merle Haggard, and one part Ray Price, mix them together with some of the most seasoned and respected studio musicians around, throw in some bonus guests for fun, and let them record. The payoff, Last of the Breed, is every bit as impressive and then some.

Produced by none other than Nashville music legend Fred Foster (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson), Last of the Breed is a throwback to the country and western music of old. Reaching back even past the heyday of Willie, this collection summons the spirits of early country and will appeal to fans of pioneers such as Roger Miller and even Gene Autry. This is cowboy music at it's finest and Foster does his best to maintain it's traditional, two-step feel. Aiding him in that task is a celebrated assembly of musicians. Eddie Bayers steps up to handle the drums and is accompanied by Michael Rhodes on bass and Don Potter and Brent Mason acoustic and electric guitars, respectively. Virtuoso player Buddy Emmons ably handles steel guitar responsibilities while Boots Randolph takes on saxophone. Nelson himself plays the gut string guitar while John Hobbs (Hammond B-3, Wurlitzer), Elana James (Fiddle), Gordon Mote (Piano), and more round out the roster.