Live music review: Willie Nelson in Beaumont proved life affirming
What more can really be said about Willie Nelson? He is recognized the world over and is appreciated by fans of varying musical genres and backgrounds. He’s acted in movies and is arguably the most influential songwriter in county music history. He is one of the greatest icons in popular culture worldwide. Emmylou Harris once said, “if America could sing with one voice, it would be Willie’s”. Which is one reason to see his performance at Ford Park in Beaumont to see the legendary songwriter perform a life affirming show.
I’ve seen Willie Nelson and Family perform live five times, and I was lucky enough to see him perform solo with Kris Kristofferson in 2003 when Kris was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Last night I sat and watched what I consider one of his best performances. That statement carries more weight when you consider Nelson is now 91 years old.
My daughter is a lukewarm fan. She is an avid music lover, and of the arts in general. She knows Willie and likes some of his music. At only thirteen I wanted to bring her to a live show of Willies, purely for historical context. My wife, our best friends, my youngest adult son and his girlfriend all decided to tag along for what we assumed would be a pretty good show. We forgot Willie carries around with him a little magic. The aged sourcer cast a spell across us all and proved he is still at the top, and shows no signs of hanging it up anytime soon despite his age.
Fall has settled into Southeast Texas as firmly as the Gulf of Mexico would allow. Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas was conceived to bring an entertainment venue to the greater Southeast Texas. Big dreams and bigger price tags fell short of the ambitious talk leading up to the facility opening. The taxpayers ended up with a fair to middling event center, asphalt Fairgrounds, an amphitheater and a series of baseball parks which have proven to be the most lucrative. Summertime in Southeast Texas can be into the 90s even past dark fall. Rains can move in without notice, and winter can be below freezing one day, and a cloudless 88 degrees the next. As such this amphitheater hasn’t been well used, but it has not been a total bust on nights like 20th of October 20, 2024. The air was crisp but not cold, low humidity, and not hot. The sound engineer knew their job, lighting was good. The seats not comfy but I do not recall enjoying the Woodlands seats any better. I’d sit on a milk crate on any near solid ground to hear Willie though.
Opening was John Bauman, who performed a spirited couple sets of originals with overly explained back stories. John is obviously a dedicated writer and touring musician. He has an original voice and knows how to treat a song. Bauman has achieved some success as both a songwriter and musician. A number of albums are available at his website and he active both on tour and social media. I suspect we will keep hearing more from him in time.
I have heard stories. We all have. Stories Willie Nelson has been “propped up”, by his band or other touring musicians. When I last saw Willie, maybe eight years ago, his voice was weaker, his timing felt off, and his breathing labored. His heart and soul were in full swing. But I admit it appeared his body was betraying him. He took to playing what we used to call package shows. Multiple artists in tow, taking some of the burden off the aging performer. I see nothing at all wrong with slowing his life down. However, I think we also need to consider all the changes Willie has seen in just the past few years. Many of the members of his long time Family Band have passed away or retired. Not the least of which was his sister Bobbie. Aside from some health issues which accompany aging, Willie has faced personal and professional losses. It just may have taken some time to rebuild the family band into the perfect accompaniment. And this was no package show, he was headlining the entire night.
Joining Willie on stage was Mickey Raphael on harmonica. If you know Willie, you surely know Mickey. He has played with the Family since 1973 and is a devil of a man on the harp. Billy English sits on drums, who’s played with Willie since 1983. Billy is the brother of the late Paul English. Kevin Smith is on bass and as he has been since 2012. Waylon Payne is singing backing vocals and rhythm guitar. Waylon is the son of Sammie Smith and Jody Payne, Willies long time guitar player who passed away in 2013.
Willie Nelson shows are always a standard fare of hits and often a few newer tracks off a latest recording. This was no exception. I will not give a blow by blow of each song, but he did hit many of his mainstays like “On The Road Again”,” Whiskey River”, and “Always On My Mind” (inspiring the deepest emotions from the most shallow limbic structures amongst us all). Willie also played for us “Last Leaf”, the title track off his new album “The Last Leaf On The Tree”, due out November 1. Keep in mind folks, he just released “The Border” earlier this year! Have I mentioned he is 91 years old?
Willie’s voice was strong and steady. His guitar playing was spot on, as he played lead on every single song, even those Waylon Payne covered. I was concerned in earnest, so much so, I mentally prepared that this show may feel less like a concert and more as an opportunity to pay homage to a legend. Willie would have none of it mind you, he played without missing a note. No one was propping him up, he was leading the band, and every one of us, right where he wanted.
After an encore, he waved several times to roaring applause, tossed out hats and some bandanas to waiting fans. His smile was wide and full of life. We have all witnessed artist who stayed in the spotlight just a little too long. I’ve widely respected those who retire to rest in their winter of their lives. Willie is neither, proving age is just the number some find intimidating, he lifted us up and carried us away with him for a time. As he did, my nearly fifty-year-old self, weary from life’s trials, was brought back to the innocence long forgotten, when we didn’t worry or hate, judge or fear, and found the kind of joy and peace only music, good music, can bring.
Featured photo by Chad Cooper courtesy of Ford Park
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