The latest and seemingly umpteenth Willie Nelson live album is the soundtrack from the recent USA Network special, recorded in April at New York’s Beacon Theatre, which commemorated Nelson’s 70th birthday. Some of the guests are improbable: Paul Simon, Norah Jones and Wyclef Jean are among the non-country performers. But there are pleasing, if not definitive, tracks here, including the hit Nelson/Toby Keith duet “Beer for My Horses,” “Crazy” with assist from Diana Krall and Elvis Costello, Shelby Lynne’s tumultuous “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and Ray Charles and Leon Russell’s “A Song for You.” Eric Clapton, Shania Twain, ZZ Top, John Mellencamp, Kenny Chesney, Ray Price and Steven Tyler round out the cast. It’s a non-essential entry for Nelson fans but one with plenty of marquee power.—CM
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