Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis

Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles
★★1/2
Blue Note

Willie Nelson paying tribute to Ray Charles? Makes sense: Both men are American icons whose songbooks are full of barroom country, blues and classic pop. But Here We Go Again ”“ recorded live in New York in 2009 with Wynton Marsalis’ band and guest Norah Jones ”“ feels like a missed opportunity. Nelson’s nylon-stabbing guitar is too scarce here, giving way to Marsalis’ jazz band, a slick cast that rotates solos exhaustively. The best moments? Nelson and Jones’ duets ”“ they play the part of burned lovers beautifully on Buck Owens’ heartbreak ballad ”˜Cryin’ Time.’

Key Tracks: ”˜Hallelujah I Love Her So,’ ”˜Cryin’ Time’