Bill and the Belles - To Willie From Billy (2023)

Bill and the Belles’ latest album, To Willie From Billy, is a tribute to Willie Nelson, released in honor of the icon turning 90. It is a bold and playful meeting of the stringband’s origins and genre-defying arrangements, and a celebration of Nelson’s songwriting and musical ethos. It is that musical ethos that ties Willie and Billy together: a commitment to timelessness and simplicity, with a good dose of rebellion. To Willie From Billy was recorded in the summer of 2022, and in addition to the core band (Kris Truelsen on guitar, fiddler Kalia Yeagle, banjo player Aidan VanSuetendael, and bassist Andrew Small), Bill and the Belles is joined by Ric Robertson (Sam Grisman Project) on keys and electric guitar, Nick Falk (Hiss Golden Messenger) on drums and percussion, Don Eanes (Morgan Wade) on piano and B3, and John James “JJ” Tourville (the Deslondes) on pedal steel. Where Willie’s Demo Sessions from the 60s (from which 5 of these songs were sourced) feel like a late night listen, To Willie From Billy has a bit less smoke in the room. The tracks shimmer, presenting refreshing interpretations of a range of Willie’s songwriting history. To Willie From Billy is a warm and compelling salute to one of country music’s greatest.