Merle Haggard - A Taste Of Yesterdays Wine '1982; 2001

Tracks list

So what happens when you put two country music legends on the same record?
Apparently Epic and Columbia were big on finding out in the early 80s. This set
of Merle Haggard and George Jones is only one of a series -- Willie Nelson and
Haggard did two--the frist netted a hit with Townes Van Zandts Poncho and
Lefty-Ray Price, Leon Russell, Jones, and on and on. As to the album at hand,
its a satisfying, pleasant listen if not a mind-blowing one. Both men were
experiencing resurgences in their careers, particularly Haggard, who was on a
roll of fine records, and Jones had come off the enormous success I Am What I
Am. Most of the tracks here are somewhat melancholy such as the title track by
Nelson, After I Sing My Songs by Haggards wife at the time, and Merles I Think
Ive Found a Way, which are on the sad side, good for sipping whiskey on a cloudy
afternoon. The pairs voices blend seamlessly and compliment each other in almost
symbiotic fashion. The only problem is, Hag and Possum are a bit too courteous
around one another. Its obvious they didnt set out to make a honky tonk record,
but they did. Billy Sherrill in the producers chair was swinging for the radio
fences, and he got close, but even he stayed the hell out of the way most of the
time here and let the music take its course, and this pair just treated each
other deferentially. So side one is pure downer music, and side two picks up the
tempo and the grit level. C.C. Waterback, a Haggard tune written just for this
session, is a pure drinking masterpiece with the two trying to keep from
laughing their asses off. Its got Haggards version of Bob Wills Western swing
complete with a Dixieland trumpet solo. Theres also the Vern Gosdin and Max
Barnes honky tonk classic anthem Mustve Been Drunk. And the album closes with a
novelty track that can be listened to over and over, a good-natured
self-deprecating song by Jones called No Show Jones due to his Sly Stone rep for
not making his gigs. Its hilarious and sad at the same time, referencing all the
country legends with their talents and reputations, and here, in good-time
fashion, Jones disappears from the song too. This is a fine album for enjoyment
among friends -- especially if youre not looking for revelation.“ (Thom
Jurek, AMG)

George Jones, vocals, guitar
Merle Haggard, vocals, guitar
Jimmy Belkin, fiddle
Bobby Emmons, keyboards
Don Markham, trombone, trumpet
Terry McMillan, harmonica
Bobby Wood, keyboards
Hargus Pig Robbins, keyboards
Weldon Myrick, steel guitar
Freddy Powers, guitar
Billy Sanford, guitar
Dave Kirby, guitar
Pete Bordonali, guitar
Bobby Thompson, guitar
Karen Taylor, backing vocals
Lea Jane Berinati, backing vocals
Hershel Wilginton, backing vocals
Leona Williams, vocals, harmony vocals
Dennis Wilson, backing vocals

Recorded at CBS Recordind Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Engineered by Ron Reynolds, Ed Hudson
Mastering by MC Rather
Produced by Billy Sherrill

Digitally remastered

Tracklist:
01. Merle Haggard - Yesterdays Wine (3:16)
02. Merle Haggard - After I Sing All My Songs (3:18)
03. Merle Haggard - I Think Ive Found a Way (To Live Without You) (3:31)
04. Merle Haggard - The Brothers (4:04)
05. Merle Haggard - Mobile Bay (Magnolia Blossoms) (3:19)
06. Merle Haggard - C.C. Waterback (3:39)
07. Freddy Powers - Silver Eagle (3:36)
08. Merle Haggard - Mustve Been Drunk (2:42)
09. Merle Haggard - I Havent Found Her Yet (2:29)
10. George Jones - No Show Jones (2:26)

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