I wish "Willie Nelson" would learn to sing in time

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 10 Nov 2002 8:52 am

I always liked the classic "Willie" songs recorded years ago. I just got through watching last night's Opry, and I've noticed over the last umpteen years that his song-phrasing and timing on live performances are intentionally ran together. I know this is his signature style of singing, but to me it sounds like $h!t. I've also noticed "John Conlee" following the same pattern. I feel this ruins the character of many of these great old legendary songs. It's got to be a hoss of a challenge for his band members as well. To me, it would be hard to back them up and sound good. I really wish both these artists would sing the songs in time like they originally recorded them so they would sound right.

Nick Reed
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78 Sho-Bud Pro-I[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 10 November 2002 at 08:54 AM.]

Terry Wendt · Post by **Terry Wendt** » 10 Nov 2002 9:22 am

Agreed Nick,

The problem with poor phrasing (or unique phrasing) habits (where meter jumping is inherent) is this... like alzheimers it increases radically with age. Poor Willie

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Kenny Forbess · Post by **Kenny Forbess** » 10 Nov 2002 9:37 am

Yeah, Willie sings his "poor phraseing" all the way to the bank.
If you listen to the Bass man and Drummer, you will have NO problem playing with Willie.
This is a case where You Play YOUR instrument.

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Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 10 Nov 2002 10:40 am

Willie Nelson made an artform out of bad timing. Just like Tubb did with his singing. The bass player and drummer should have been paid double. Got to agree with you Nick.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 10 Nov 2002 10:47 am

Nick, I just called Willie. He says that although he's not gonna hire you for the band, he wishes you'd play a Carter.

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b0b · Post by **b0b** » 10 Nov 2002 10:50 am

This has nothing to do with "Steel Players", so I've moved it to the "Music" section of the Forum.

I've noticed that as some recording artists mature, they experiment with phrasing more. It's not just Willie. Listen to Merle Haggard or B. B. King, and you'll hear the same sort of thing.

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