Willie Nelson - Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin (2016)

Willie tackled Gershwin as early as 1978’s Stardust, but here he dedicates an entire album to Ira and George’s gems. Bluesier tunes like the slinky “It Ain’t Necessarily So” lend themselves naturally to Nelson’s spare, earthy treatment, but he’s just as adept at interpreting romantic ballads such as “Embraceable You,” where he’s joined by Sheryl Crow. The key is Nelson’s knack for distinctly jazzy, behind-the-beat phrasing; he has employed it throughout his career, but on standards like these it’s an especially effective element of his style.

TRACKLIST
01. But Not for Me 03:16
02. Somebody Loves Me 02:13
03. Someone to Watch Over Me 04:04
04. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (feat. Cyndi Lauper) 03:04
05. It Ain't Necessarily So 04:26
06. I Got Rhythm 02:46
07. Love is Here to Stay 03:22
08. They All Laughed 02:43
09. Embraceable You (feat. Sheryl Crow) 03:36
10. They Can't Take That Away from Me 02:51
11. Summertime 03:54