Willie Nelson at the Greek Theater, April 30

On his 70th birthday, Willie took a blues solo on his old Trigger that was one of the deepest statements I’ve heard in a long time. In these 12 measures, he told his whole life story with such beauty, simplicity, power, humor and depth, I still think about it.

Arthur Blythe and Bob Stewart ?at Club 1160, January 5

The emotion, the swing, the joy and pain of being here on this bitter and beautiful earth. The power to be, as Archie Shepp said, “the lily in spite of the swamp.” All came to life in the magical music that these musicians played on alto sax ?and tuba.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.