TAMI NEILSON has Always on My Mind, covered
Tami Neilson Always on My Mind is available on Deezer, Apple, Tidal
by Walter Price
Producing a cover song is a very tricky business. some do it to fulfill contractual obligations to a label, some do it to tinker in the studio, and then there are the artists who want to pay homage to a song respectfully and to the voice that made such a song a legend.
Willie Nelson’s version of “Always on My Mind” is as celebrated as they come. And for the Red Headed Stranger to take a song already covered by the likes of Brenda Lee and Elvis (to name-drop a couple of heavy hitters) and make it one of country and pop music’s most endearing staples is a testament to Nelson and his everlasting influence.
Speaking of being celebrated, this is now and critically lauded New Zealand powerhouse vocalist Tami Neilson has made “Always on My Mind” her own with nods to Brenda Lee’s version while reverentially tipping her hat to Willie. And it’s sure to induce a tear or two…
From Neilson’s ‘Neilson Sings Nelson’ series, Tami, via Bandcamp, is quoted, “When I chose the songs for this project, I tried to avoid the ones that have been covered heavily. This is one of the exceptions. It is a testament to Willie’s incredible artistry, how one of the world’s greatest songwriters can cover a song he did not write and make it completely his own, intrinsically part of his work and associated with him. For a big-voiced singer known more for big belters, this was an exercise in restraint for me. Having just been in ICU mere weeks before we recorded this, it brought a whole new perspective and vulnerability, which really came through in this performance.” Without a doubt, this performance is hands down one of the finest renditions of this song I’ve heard in many decades. Bravo, Tami.
If you’re a fan of Willie Nelson, hallowed torch songs, and the new wave of nonformulaic country artists—grab a tissue and stream Tami Neilson’s gorgeous version of “Always on My Mind”—here at the GTC.
TAMI NEILSON Always on My Mind
Artist photo via Facebook // Artwork and quotes via Bandcamp
Written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James
Performed by Tami Neilson
Jay Neilson – Guitar
Neil Watson – Pedal Steel
Engineered by Steve Chadie
Mixed by Simon Gooding
Artwork Matt Sinclair
“It was just Jay and I recording live off the floor, no click, one take, just trying to be fluid and follow each other with the lights dimmed. When I looked over to him during the final chord, tears were coursing down his face…just like mine.” – T. Neilson