It had not been since Willie released Phases and Stages that I even wanted to hear Willie Nelson again, but when a delicious friend suggested a night under the stars and an outdoor concert featuring Willie sans Waylon and the boys that I agreed. We set out rolling two or three def com 9 joints that were sure to ensure the experience and purchased two shorts of Old Heaven Hill, the bourbon blended over eight years that no one ever recognizes. We slid each of these down the front of out pants to ensure no security pats at the gate. Although hers barely fit in the extreme tight quarters of her jeans we ambled in unhassled.
Willie came out and set up and started playing. Simple as that. There is an assured professionalism about Nelson that many people don’t recognize as he is so laid back in his approach, but with his battered acoustic and easy going manner, he had us all ensconced in a night of sound and solace. And that is part of Nelson’s appeal, he seems to love his own music as much as playing it for others.
It was a perfect night. The stars were swirling in the sky much like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and the blanket my charming friend had picked was worn but comfortable. It’s Pendleton design was red and blue and cosy beneath us. Her lips were perfect. Willie Nelson’s songbook played throughout the night.
Whenever I hear Nelson now, I think of that night under the stars at his concert and I wonder what ever became of Becky? I wish she were here now.
