Willie Nelson-Willie's Stash Volume 1 (Legacy Recordings)

BEFORE any doubt is thrown on the title of Willie Nelson's latest offering, the stash refers to performances of songs recorded with his sister Bobbie that they have loved playing together. The full title of the album is actually Willie Nelson and Sister Bobbie – December Day – Willie's Stash Volume 1.

There could still be many unaware of the fact that sister Bobbie has played piano in Willie's Family Band since it's inception in 1973.

Throughout this time they have shared many musical memories on and off the road and this new release showcases 18 of their personal songs recorded with guitar and piano, augmented with contributions from band members.

In his first hand observer liner notes for the album, long-standing band member Mickey Raphael provides fascinating details of the album's performances and insights into the artists' creative process.

"As long as I can remember, Willie and Bobbie who ride together on Willie's bus, spend some of their travelling time jamming on their favourite songs. Bobbie has a travel-size keyboard on the bus and Willie's guitar, Trigger, is always by his side.This is where the idea came from for December Day. Bobbie asked, 'Why not record our favourite songs like we play them for ourselves'?"

The listener is treated to new versions of gems from Willie's extensive songwriting catalogue including Permanently Lonely, My Old Peculiar Way, and covers of Al Jolson's Anniversary Song and Irving Berlin's Alexander's Ragtime Band, What'll I Do, and Always.

Also included is their interpretation of Django Reinhardt's Nuages.

The Willie's Stash Series aims to present a variety of releases picked from decades of recording and touring.

Unlike his previous Band Of Brothers release, which took him back to his country roots music, this offering may not appeal to the traditional country music fan.