Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World

Being a big-time fan of Merle Haggard, I happily ordered this double-length CD. last January 31. It was supposed to be delivered in about two weeks. Nope. Amazon was at least polite enough to send me notes every month to say it was delayed, but would be along soon, and they'd send me an update. Did I still want it?Well, yes, I wanted it, or I'd not have ordered it. So I waited, and waited. It arrived Monday, May 16. I want to tell the world -- it's terrific. Well worth the wait. They say it's 'digitally remastered from the original tapes' and I can't disagree. The clarity is terrific. No background noises or anything.The first part is Merle’s tribute to Bob Wills, the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World. Indeed, Wills had something to do with nearly every one of the 12 cuts. The second half is titled “It’s All in the Movies”, and is nearly all Haggard. What an amazing range of music – from foot-stomping, blue grass-type pickin’ to fabulous yodeling, blues, and just great Merle-songs. If you’re a fan of the Hag, and this CD is not in your library, you owe it to yourself to remedy that situation immediately. If not sooner. Just be sure to allow 4 months to actually be able to hold it in your own hands. I think you’ll agree with me that it’s well worth the wait!

Im a big fan of Bob Wills and all Western Swing. I love "For the Last Time" which included Merle & Leon Rausch on vocals. Thats the 1st time I noticed that Merle loved it too. I've been looking for this cd for a long time!

Merle singing many of the Bob Wills/Johnny Duncan hits from loooong ago, and Johnny Gimble-like riffs on the fiddle. (but I think it was really Merle doing it, as Johnny had apparently taught him to do).

Not to worry this is a CD that takes two of Merle Haggard's Capital Record albums from the 1970's and puts them on one CD. In a way its amazing that Record buyers from the 60's and 70's bought albums with 30 minutes of music, but today we can reap the benefits of two albums plus some well worth bonus tracks on one CD. As to the Music its a pure delight. Merle Haggard plays tribute to his musical idol Bob Wills on the 1st half of this CD. Its great and many of the original Texas Playboys play too. This has been out of circulation for awhile. The other half of the CD is pure Haggard at his best.

For this album - I originally had the record - Merle combines the Strangers, his band, with the Texas Playboys. It's an amazing combination of talents that makes these songs truly wonderful. You can hear how the Playboys still play together as smoothly as they ever did, the arrangements stay true to the originals (had those too - lotsa records), and you're transported to an earlier, better time in music and in life. Even though I've owned the albums and the CD for a very long time, I still pull this one out as my "comfort" album and listen to it whenever I just want to get away.

Well, It's Merle Haggard. If you like Merle Haggard, the two albums put together on this CD are quite different, but both are really good; and so, you'll probably like them both. If you don't like Merle Haggard, then, well, it's Merle Haggard.

I got this item for my 84 year old cousin as a birthday gift. He was in Patton's 3rd Army and was a friend of Bob Wills out in Lubbock Tx where he lives. He loves Merle Haggard and I could find this CD no place except Amazom.com. I thank you very much for making an old man happly and the CD was excellent in everyway. I enjoyed doing business with you. Thank You. Joe Knott Cheasapeake VA

Merle did it again. He was a big fan and friend of Bob Wills back before Bob died. Merle showed his love of Bob's music by recording these songs. I always loved to listen to the Texas Playboys when I was growing up in the 50's & 60's myself.Merle does his usual best in recording this compilation of Bob's music. Glad I purchased it. Well worth the money.

Great c.d. But preferred Ray Price choice of material on his tribute