On the road again with Willie

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 27, 1998 | 10:42 a.m.

Willie Nelson and Family have a new Las Vegas home; the performer/ audience-friendly Orleans showroom. Thursday's opening night show was sold out and tickets will be tight through Sunday. Those present were rewarded with just short of two hours of the Best of Willie Nelson, et al.

"Whiskey River" and "Stay A Little Longer" as a medley got things started and there was no let-up throughout. "Good-Hearted Woman With a Good-Timing Man" was next, then sister Bobbie Nelson was featured on piano and Jody Payne followed with "You're Living With My Dreams That Let You Down." Drummer Paul English, percussionist Billy English, guitarist B. Spears and harmonica virtuoso Mickey Raphael were introduced. Willie shares the stage generously.

"Funny, How Time Slips Away," "Crazy," and "Night Life" set up a rousing "Working Man Blues." "Help Me Make It Through The Night," "Me And Bobby McGee" and "Loving You Is Easier Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again" is a Kris Kristofferson tribute medley. "Bloody Mary Morning" and "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" preceded another up-tempo instrumental.

"Blue Skies," "Georgia On My Mind," "All Of Me" and "Stardust" comprised the best received medley of the night. We're near the end of our allotted space and this is just past the halfway point.

"Milk Cow Blues," one of the great blues standards, resulted in the third of five standing ovations. It was worth the price of admission. If you know somebody or have juice at the Orleans, Gold Coast or Barbary Coast, call them, use it. We guarantee you'll be happy you did.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.

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