Last of the Breed: Live in Concert

Recorded for a March 2007 TV special, Last of the Breed captures the ingenious grouping of Country Music Hall of Famers Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price, who have distinct styles individually, but also work together like old compatriots. For the whopping 35-song concert, each performer presents a set of his own, and also works in various combinations, backed by members of Haggard's band, Price's Cherokee Cowboys, and the always-excellent Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. The hits read like a history of classic country: “Always on My Mind,” “Crazy,” “Make the World Go Away,” “Mama Tried,” “Okie from Muskogee,” “On the Road Again,” and a bring-down-the-house finale rendition of “Whiskey River.” While the 81-year-old Price still has a comforting potency in his weathered voice, it's Nelson and Haggard who are the stars, and when they're together—particularly on Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty" and the new Nelson song "Back to Earth”—the music is sublime. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DVD extras include bonus interviews with all three of the country icons, conducted by Benson. Recommended. Aud: P. (M. Moore)