In his advancing years, the Texan troubadour, 81, is speeding up rather than slowing down, this being his fifth album in two-and-a-half years. Accompanied by keyboardist sister Bobbie (a founding member of Nelson’s Family band), it’s a ramble through his vast back catalogue (Walkin’, Sad Songs and Waltzes etc), adding favourites such as Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s Ragtime Band – a set inspired by tourbus jam sessions. Indulgent perhaps, but Nelson’s worn, almost conversational vocals remain arresting. There’s the odd new composition – the droll I Don’t Know Where I Am Today – and screeds of his idiosyncratic guitar playing, rich and rococo on Ou Es-Tu Mon Amour. Bravo.
