CD Review

Covering retro country tunes is so 2006. The Little Willies, originally and ostensibly a Willie Nelson cover band, bring their present-day ingénue to classic and obscure old-time country tunes. Theirs is the type of album that even mom would like. But that should come as no surprise since this is basically Norah Jones' other band.

With upbeat rockabilly such as Nelson’s “I Gotta Get Drunk,” The Little Willies explore the fun side of the genre. With a full-flavor and crisp sound, the band has a very current vibe that mixes well with the soothing, textured vocals of the young legend songstress. Guitarist Richard Julian provides his own vocals on several tracks, most notably Jimmy Driftwood’s “Tennessee Stud,” and manages to shine right alongside her. The trotting rhythm and chord progressions paint a picture of a proud horse making his way down the road while Jones’ dissonant harmonic vocals create a classy edge.

The stand-out highlight here is a version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Best of All Possible Worlds.” Beginning with Jim Campilongo on electric guitar aside Julian’s rhythm, the song slowly builds until Jones enters the picture, adding her harmony vocals as well as a loose, Honky Tonk piano styling.

For more info see: norahjones.com