A 30-Year Wait for Willie and the Wheel's "Hesitation Blues"
"Hesitation Blues" is an old song with a long, long history, recorded by everyone from Duke Ellington to Jerry Garcia. Legendary music producer Jerry Wexler picked the song for a Western Swing project that he wanted Willie Nelson to do, but unfortunately Nelson parted ways with Atlantic records before they could get started. Thirty years later Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel picked up where Wexler left off and now the track starts their Willie and the Wheel album. In this video for it, we get a look at some of the group's rehearsals onstage and in the studio. It's pretty standard live performance stuff, but it is cool to get a look at what goes on before the audience shows up -- and it will surely get you wishing to hear more from this project that was decades in the making.
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Redmaz says:
Did anyone notice who’s playing fiddle with them? (Besides Jason of course)
solongsowrong says:
You mean the gal who looks like Ruby Jane? I have no idea.
This boys and girls, is Western Swing… you know, some of that new Country music that allegedly doesn’t exist anymore.
Redmaz says:
Where’s all the know it all Mainstreamers now?
solongsowrong says:
Red, I bet you most couldn’t even tell you who played the fiddle on the Strait tribute a few weeks ago, even though the man is one of the most respected musicians in Nashville.
peppersprout says:
Be still my heart!!!
Not a lover of videos per se but this is music of the smiliin’ kind!!!
solongsowrong you are sososoright about little Miss Ruby Jane bein’ on the fiddle … that’s one of the things I love about these guys in particular … they can and do recognize/mentor/utilize the really talented up and comers like Ruby Jane.
As for who was playin’ fiddle on the George Strait tribute, I couldn’t tell ya either … but then again, even though I do like me some George Strait from time to time, I couldn’t stomach most of the acts honorin’ him so I didn’t tune in … you can go ahead and tell us who the feller was ’cause I seriously doubt most of ‘em who watched and post on these blogs are even gonna click on this one much less know who the actual musicians were … was it Mark O’Connor by chance?
Speakin’ of fiddle players, I think it’s about time somebody did a tribute to Johnny Gimble … the man is gettin’ on in his years and, IMO, never has received the accolades he deserves … we’re still privileged to hear him perform around the Waco area several times a year with his son Dick Gimble … he is a true country swing treasure!
peppersprout says:
Have either of y’all ever heard of the Quebe sisters? … they’re up and comin’ fiddlers and harmonious songmistress favorites around these parts and beyond … they’ve captured the attention of Ray Benson and Marty Stuart, as well.
Redmaz says:
I won’t take that bet. I have a feeling at least 90% of these Mainstreamers have no idea who the fiddle player is. Or the guitar player. Another one of the most respected musicians in the business. From my experience most Pop fans are limited in musical knowledge. Basic music fundamentals are abstruse to most of them. Nothing wrong with wanting to learn,(in fact, I try to encourage it) but don’t try to come off as knowing more than you do.
To peppersprout, no it wasn’t O’Connor, and I agree that Gimble deserves every accolade possible. A true music legend who has been playing for over 60 years. They have had some tribute concerts in his honor, but he can never receive enough praise.
Chris Parton says:
Hmm … mystery fiddle player. I think I know who it is …
Redmaz says:
Just checked out The Quebe Sisters…Wow! Absolutely amazing. These are some extremely talented young ladies. Once again, today’s music is just as good if not better than ever, thanks to real musicians like this who are carrying on the tradition and the respect of the musicians who came before them. Thanks to peppersprout for the suggestion!
solongsowrong says:
peppersprout and Chris: I’ll give you a big clue. He toured with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant as their multi-instrumentalist, and is AK’s most favorite musician. He’s always Alison’s #1 choice when she wants the twin fiddles thing happening.
Now I’m off to check out the Quebe Sisters.
Chris Parton says:
Gotta be Stuart Duncan, right?
Redmaz says:
Yes!…and Brent Mason on guitar.
Chris Parton says:
Yeah, awesome lineup.
solongsowrong says:
I’ve been kind of “asleep at the wheel” concerning this collaboration. I’ve been meaning to check it out, but it never seeemed to happen. Thanks, Chris, for blogging on this and making me realize what great music I was missing.
As far as Stuart Duncan goes, he makes any line up a little sweeter. The man can flat out play!
peppersprout says:
Listenin’ to a recorded local performance of the Gimbles - Johnny, Dick, Emily - along with guitarist Kenny Frazier and Joe Hammond on drums … they just finished an old tune called “Sugar Moon” written by fellow Central Texan, the great Cindy Walker … an announcement was made that an album made honorin’ Johnny’s 80th birthday a few years ago will finally be released soon … some of his friends includin’ the likes of Willie Nelson, The Hag and Vince Gill join him … maybe he can add another Grammy to his collection with this one!
Mr. Z … thanks for checkin’ out the Quebe Sisters! … I know their music may not be your favorite style but I do know that you recognize and appreciate real musical talent of all types/genres of which I am very appreciative.
Speakin’ of awards, Texans and their great music, I just received these nomination announcements from the Academy of Western Artists in my box tonight … the winners will be recognized in September at the 14th Annual Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Awards in Granville, TX … some are familiar to me, some not, but I am sure all are worth givin’ a listen to!
Western Swing Final Five 2009
Male-
John England, Jake Hooker, Billy Mata, Jody Nix, Curtis Potter
Female-
Mary Allen, Kelli Grant, Carolyn Martin, Dottie Jack, Pinto Pammy
Instrumentalist-
Bob Baker, Buddy Emmons, Buddy Hrabel, Dicky Overby, Reggie Rueffer
Duo/Group-
Brady Bowen-Swing Country
Desperadoes
John England Western Swingers
Jake Hooker-Outsiders
Saddle Cats
Western Swing-Album
Brady Bowen-In My Spare Time #5
John England-Open That Gate
Dennis Ivey-Something Old, Nothing New
Billy Mata-This Is Tommy Duncan
River Road Boys-Don’t Ever Take My Picture Down
Western Swing-Song
Mary Allen-Let’s’s Make Music In The Country
Chuck Cusimano-My Last Word To You
John England-Old Town
Billy Mata-Stay All Night
Gaylynn Robinson-Call Back My Heart Texas Moon
Pure Country
Male-
Tony Booth, Darrell McCall, Frankie Miller, Rance Norton, Justin Trevino
Female-
Jade Cienega, Leighan Cortes, Amber Digby, Kimberly Murray, Heather Myles
Duo/Group-
Country Night Live
Derailers
Honeybrowne
Landon Dodd-DanceHall Drifters
Miles of Texas
Pure Country Album
Mickey Clark-Winding Highways
Amber Digby-Passion, Pride & What Might Have Been
Bobby Flores-Eleven Roses
Rance Norton-True Country
Justin Trevino-Take One As Needed For Pain
Pure Country Song
Tony Booth-Is This All There Is To Honky Tonk?
Bobby Flores-Double Life
Tommy Hooker-Blue Smoke
Kimberly Murray/Jake Hooker-Living And Learning
Rance Norton/Johnny Bush-Pop Atop
peppersprout says:
Mr. Parton,
Please let me add my “thanks” to you for this blog! … ones like this are always like a breath of fresh air for me … Western music, includin’ the swingin’ strains of Hillybilly Jazz, holds a very special place in my heart … I could ramble on but instead I’ll just say “Thanks for bringin’ this incredible music to the forefront again … Job well done, sir!”
Paula says:
Aaaaaaaha, great western swing, done right! Wonderful CD!
Redmaz says:
Breaking news everyone….Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel will receive the coveted “Lifetime Acheivement Award” at this years AMA Honors and Awards show in Nashville. Congratulations to all the members throughout the years of this great band!
TXmusiclover says:
Easy to tell you all love good music. Are you hip to Nashville’s John England & the Western Swingers?
Doug Neher says:
These folks play the kind of music that really makes you love life and makes you so proud to be an American. I sure do miss Bob Wills but so long as we have Ray Benson and the Wheel and Willie, I feel as if he’s right here with us. Great job you guys!!! Keep swinging high!!
western swing fan says:
great real america music……we need moore more
western swing fan says:
sestern swing…bring it on backkkkkkkk
western swing fan says:
mooreeeee please
Starla Queen says:
You can find alot of great western swing music for download at (www.buckatune.net)
Artists include Johnny Bush, Curtis Potter, Darrell McCall, Leona Williams, Jake Hooker, Jody Nix, Bobby Flores, Justin Trevino, Jazzabillies, Tom Morrell and the Timewarp Tophands. Check it out!