Willie Nelson: Band of Brothers (Sony/Legacy Records)

THIS is, to my reckoning, Willie Nelson’s 117th album since 1956. Whereas, he has often presented a variety of diverse genres on past albums this one stands out as being new recordings.

To many Nelson fans his diversity is well-known, with many relating to a lack of understanding that here is an artist who apart from singing country has stretched his fan base appreciators to understand and take on board his personal tastes in music. From his early interpretations of good wholesome country songs, he reverts back to his genuine love of country music with 14 modern sounding tracks.

Willie has written/co-written nine with Buddy Cannon, the other five being from the pens of Vince Gill, Billy Joe Shaver, Gordie Sampson, Bill Anderson, Shawn Camp and Billy Burnette.

From the early days of the Outlaw movement with Waylon Jennings and Tompall Glaser there’s a tinge of truth will out in the track Hard To Be An Outlaw, written by Shaver, and a love of his fellow musicians and artists in the title track Band of Brothers.

In April this year Willie Nelson celebrated his 81st birthday and has no thoughts of hanging up the guitar that is as famous as he is. I hope he never changes his mind.