Willie Nelson: Live at the US Festival 1983

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Nelson’s show is quite spirited; although not given to histrionics, the country stalwart is ever the showman, demonstrating his guitar playing prowess on his beat-up acoustic throughout. And even though it’s Willie’s voice that the crowd has come to hear, there’s an emphasis on musicianship, especially from pianist Bobbie Nelson (Willie’s sister) and harmonica player Mickey Raphael.

The band is tight, and Willie is his lovable self all the way through a generous set that includes super oldies like “Nightlife” and “Crazy” along with “Georgia on My Mind,” “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Skies” and theme song “On the Road Again.” About mid-set Nelson pleases the crowd by calling his old buddy Waylon Jennings out for a reprise of “Good Hearted Woman” and a run through of “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

The US Festival was the brainchild of Apple’s Steve Wozniak; the San Bernardino event was abandoned two years in due to staggering losses thought to approach $20 million.

Willie Nelson Live at the US Festival is currently available.