Don Cherry and Willie Nelson

It's Magic

Diamond Disc Records

       In real life hit maker Don Cherry and Country super star Willie Nelson are best friends. In fact, Cherry, renowned for his 1956 pop mega-hit Band Of Gold, has referred to Nelson as his "Sixth Best Friend " (after Dean Martin, Phil Harris, Mickey Mantle, Bobby Layne, and Jimmy Demeret, in that order). Put these two native Texas troubadours together on an album and the outcome can only be "magic." This is the duo's third recording project together.

This twelve-track disk is smooth as apple honey. There are no pretences here, no ego trips, just two "bestest" friends enjoying each other's company. Each artist's unique vocal style is distinct while projecting amazing melodic symbiotic wellness. To get that kind of chemistry is nothing short of "magic."

The duo creates a state of profound reverie on the beautifully pensive Sweet Memories, while tugging at your heart strings on the tear-jerking Country standard Green, Green Grass Of Home.

Cherry is spotlighted magnificently on three solo tracks: Summer Wind, You've Changed, and Portrait Of My Love. His interpretations on all three are self-evident. No further comments are needed except to say that if you not moved by Portrait Of My Love, then you ain't alive!

Providing the musical backdrop are tenor sax man Boots Randolph (one of his final recording projects before passing away in July 2007. He blows a swinging horn throughout the album, especially on Give Me The Simple Life.); Roddy Smith, guitars; Bobby Ogdin, keyboards; Tim Smith, bass; Charlie McCoy, harmonica; Ray VonRotz, drums; and Buzz Carson, backing vocals.

Cherry's and Nelson's friendship is illustrated nicely on the album's cover with Nelson holding up his six fingers. 

With Cherry and Nelson it's truly A Wonderful World!

Track selections: It's Magic, What A Wonderful World, Summer Wind (Don Cherry alone), By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Green, Green Grass Of Home, Again, Sweet Memories, You've Changed (Don Cherry alone), After The Lovin', Try To Remember, Give Me The Simple Life, Portrait Of My Love (Don Cherry alone).

Recorded and mixed at The Groovehouse, Nashville, TN.

- Stephen Fratallone/Jazz Connection Magazine

Rating:  *****

To order It's Magic, log on to Don Cherry's official website at:  www.doncherry.us  or call (702) 735-3884.

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