Grousing The Aisles: Willie and Leon

We started Grousing The Aisles week with Billy Joel and the Grateful Dead, but now we’re gonna make a left turn towards the Heartland. Today, we’ve got a top-notch recording of a legendary show featuring “The Master of Space and Time” Leon Russell and “The King of Outlaw Country” Willie Nelson from April 1, 1979.

Willie Nelson and Leon Russell 04/01/1979 SBD [FLAC, MP3]

Willie and Leon teamed up in the late ’70s for a series of collaborations that culminated with the recording of an album full of covers, One For The Road. The two musical mavericks also combined efforts for a few live gigs including this show from the since demolished Capitol Theater in Passaic. Willie’s voice sounds great and Leon gives a spirited performance. They both play many of their greatest hits and we also get their sublime cover of Heartbreak Hotel, which went to number one on Billboard’s Country Music Singles chart. Other highlights include the energetic Whiskey River opener, Shotgun Willie and a spine-tingling version of Amazing Grace.