Austin Connection Of Nelson And Wheel At Track

Last year, when Willie Nelson kicked off The Festival at Sandpoint, there was much talk that he wouldn’t be accompanied by his bottle.

But in true Willie Nelson fashion, he pulled out a full bottle of Jack Daniels on stage, toasted the crowd and took a swig.

He’s been sort of an unpredictable character throughout his career. So I was hardly surprised when he didn’t call at the time scheduled for his interview.

That’s old Willie.

In recent times, Nelson, who performs at Playfair on Wednesday, has taken some unexpected turns with his career.

In 1994, after 19 years, he divorced Columbia Records, the label that released the gems “Stardust,” “Red Headed Stranger” and “The Troublemaker.” He left the label just after releasing one of his most widely acclaimed albums, “Across the Borderline.”

Instead of shopping around for a new major label and signing a contract worth millions, he sidestepped the industry and released “Moonlight Becomes You,” a collection of country tunes and jazzy, Western swing songs, on a small Austin, Texas, independent called Justice Records.

Later that year, however, the country legend found his way back to the big labels, signing with country giant Liberty/EMI.

He then recorded “The Healing

Hands of Time,” an album in sharp contrast to “Day for Night” and “Across the Borderline.”

“Hands of Time,” combines previously released Nelson songs and old standards. Nelson sang the entire album supported by a Nashville band and a 60-piece orchestra. Liberty Records calls it “a return to ‘Stardust’.”

In a sense, “Healing Hands” recalls some of the magic and vivid imagery conjured up on Nelson’s 1978 landmark success, “Stardust.” Again, his seasoned, wiry voice works with the orchestra to create a warm, encompassing atmosphere.

This July, Nelson returned to Justice and released “Just One Love.” As expected, it’s worlds different from “Healing Hands,” teetering on honky tonk and country-folk. Touring in support of the new release has made this a busy year for Nelson.

A few months ago, he teamed with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings to record a second Highwaymen album, “The Road Goes on Forever.”

RCA just released “The Essential Willie Nelson,” an album that highlights Nelson’s early work.

Further, Rhino Records, a label known for reissuing old obscurities, just put out a three-CD Nelson box set, “A Classic and Unreleased Collection.” The set draws from unreleased jazz-pop standards, live material, alternate takes and more.

And, a long overdue Willie Nelson tribute album issued by Justice and featuring rock bands like the L7, Screaming Trees and Alice in Chains will land in record stores soon.

Austin’s Western swing master Asleep at the Wheel opens the concert.

Led by the 43-year-old singer-guitarist Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel has explored the seemingly forgotten genre for more than 20 years. The band is best known for its high-octane, feverish stage shows. Its 1992 quintessential album, “Greatest Hits Live and Kickin”’ successfully captures the swingster in its element.

Often, Nelson has joined the group on stage.

In fact, the two fellow Austinites collaborated in 1993 for Asleep at the Wheel’s “Tribute to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.”

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Willie Nelson and Asleep At The Wheel Location and time: Playfair Race Course, Wednesday, 6 p.m. Tickets: $17.50 ($22.50/day of the show), free for those age 10 and under