Stu’s Reviews
Genre: Album
Grade A-
Notable People: Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard
Title: Poncho and Lefty
Review: Merle’s passing made me want to go back and explore some of the archive, so I ordered this 2010 collaboration between these two old friends. These guys are the real dal when it comes to outlaw country music, moving away from Nashville in the early 60s to Austin and Bakersfield, respectively. Over the years, they have done a number of collaborations. This one is a classic; their angelic voices shining through a set of standard lovin’, losin’ and drinkin’ songs- and their unique guitar styles shining throughout. The opener, Townes Van Zandt’s Poncho and Lefty is a definitive rendition of this masterpiece. Not much new here, but a beautiful and extremely soothing set of music by two national treasures.