Description
The range of the album is impressive, from upbeat gospel (It Won’t Be Very Long, with the Secret Sisters) to Latin (No Mas Amor with Alison Krauss).
One of the most moving moments is when Nelson, who turned 80 this year, sings “we may never pass this way again/just let me enjoy it ’til it’s over” on Please Don’t Tell Me, a lovely duet with Rosanne Cash.
Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd, Loretta Lynn, Melonie Cannon, Shelby Lynne, Lily Meola, Brandi Carlile and Tina Rose also sing with one of country’s grand old man. One of the highlights, for me, is Have You Ever Seen the Rain with Paula Nelson, a stirring example of male/female singers working subtly in tandem.
Nelson has worked with some of the featured singers before, of course. He and Emmylou Harris have a stirring back catalogue of collaborations (One Paper Kid, ‘Til I Gain Control, Gulf Coast Highway) but they prove a hit again with a stark and powerful version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dry Lightning.
Nelson’s guitar playing is as sweet and distinctive as ever on To All The Girls and his voice is holding up well. He may had had fun making the record, but it’s lovely for the listener, too.
