[Harp-L] Mickey Raphael - more than just a harmonica player

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

Willie Nelson has two, back-to-back  albums set for release in 2009. The 
first, 'Willie and the Wheel,' is a  collaboration of Western swing songs with 
_Asleep at the Wheel_ (http://www.theboot.com/tag/AsleepattheWheel/) . The  
second, 'Naked Willie,' puts a new spin on some old favorites.

"There's  songs that I've had, good songs, that never got their due," the 
75-year-old  country icon tells _Rolling Stone_ 
(http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25020455/willie_on_the_soft_path) .

'Naked Willie' will include remixes of  recordings from 1966 - 1970, 
stripped-down without orchestration or background  vocals. It's being produced by 
Nelson's harmonica player, Mickey  Raphael.

"For the album cover, Willie took a picture of himself with his  iPhone while 
he was in the bubble bath, and sent it to me," reports  Raphael.

'Naked Willie' indeed.

'Willie and the Wheel' is due in  stores in February, while 'Naked Willie' 
will be released in  March.
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