(New West; 41 minutes)

www.newwestrecords.com

This is a pretty good show from Waylon Jennings but not one that will reach many who are not already hardcore fans. This show relies too heavily on lesser material like the gimmicky numbers that Waylon recorded during the outlaw wave that took his career and those of buddies like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson to a new level of commercial success in the 1970's. Like the others, Waylon was more than a mediocre talent catching a free ride on a fast train to Hitsville; he was a major talent benefiting from the wider exposure the new trend made possible.

Even when performing formulaic songs like "Honky Tonk Heroes" he gives his all; everybody gets his money's worth no matter what part of his eclectic catalogue ("Are you Ready for The Country") they came to hear. But the balance is off here. He may sing "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand" but he's not listening to the words. It's as though Waylon was playing to a crowd that sort of knew who he was but had to be reminded of specifically why they came to see him. Maybe he just wasn't challenging himself. And maybe he had good reason. This concert came just months before Waylon had to deal with some very serious health concerns that were coming to a head and probably already having an effect on his strength and endurance. His voice is off just enough for the close observer or long time fan to notice; his always distinctive guitar playing missing just that much heat - he just doesn't seem big enough.

There are bright moments. The band, particularly - but not only - Randy Scruggs on guitar, does all it can to keep things rolling and the recording itself is sonically outstanding, as is most of the stuff New West has released from the Austin City Limits series. But Waylon appeared on the show many times; there must be footage of more fully realized shows waiting to come out of the corral. When it does, everything about Waylon Jennings talent and career says it will be worth a look.

Special features: audio CD of same show. RICK ALLEN