When George Gershwin died on July 11, 1937, Willie Nelson was only four year old. A few decades later, we speak of both artists as legends, two monuments of twentieth century music. Perhaps from opposing categories in music, but genius loves company and this fact erases any borders. And this record is further highlighted by the porosity of both worlds. In 2015, Willie received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, never before awarded to a country artist. This delicious album entitled Summertime - Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin is, therefore, no real surprise in terms of its quality. The nasal voice and of Texan marries to to perfection with the velvet melodies and perfect prose of Gershwin. Among the eleven selected titles, two are interpreted in duet with Cyndi Lauper (Let's Call the Whole Thing Off), and Sheryl Crow (Embraceable You) respectively. At over 82 years ago, Nelson is more crooner than ever here, but in his way that is completely his own. ©MZ/Qobuz