– possibly his finest album ever. Shotgun Willie encapsulates Willie's world view and music, finding him at a peak as a composer, interpreter, and performer. This is laid-back, deceptively complex music, equal parts country, rock attitude, jazz musicianship, and troubadour storytelling". Nelson biographer Joe Nick Patoski writes that Shotgun Willie was Nelson's "creative declaration of independence." Track listing Personnel Musicians Willie Nelson – vocals, acoustic guitar Steve Burgh – electric guitar, acoustic guitar James Clayton Day – Dobro, pedal steel guitar, backing vocals Bobbie Nelson – piano Mickey Raphael – harmonica Jeff Gutcheon – electric piano, organ Dan "Bee" Spears – bass guitar Paul English – drums Steve Mosley – drums Wayne Jackson – trumpet Andrew Love – tenor saxophone James Mitchell – baritone saxophone Jack Hale, Sr. – trombone Dave Bromberg – electric guitar John Goldthwaite – electric guitar Dee Moeller – backing vocals Larry Gatlin – backing vocals Arif Mardin – string arrangement Doug Sahm – electric guitar, backing vocals Waylon Jennings – acoustic guitar, backing vocals Augie Meyers – acoustic guitar Johnny Gimble – fiddle Jessi Colter – backing vocals Hugh McDonald – bass guitar Willie Bridges – baritone saxophone Red Lane – acoustic guitar Jack Barber – bass guitar George Rains – drums Donny Hathaway – string arrangement Charts Album Singles References Sources 1973 albums Willie Nelson albums Albums produced by Arif Mardin Albums produced by Jerry Wexler Albums produced by David Briggs (producer) Atlantic Records albums