Best Of The Rest (2CD) (Digi-Pak) (Remaster)

This 2005 two-disc collection culls its selections from Jerry Jeff Walker's five out-of-print albums for Tried & True Music, including GYPSY SONGMAN and NAVAJO RUG. These 28 remastered tracks, handpicked by Walker himself, date from 1985 to '96 and showcase the singer/songwriter's laid-back country charm. Most of the numbers are relaxed narratives ("Charlie Dunn," "Curly & Lil") that reveal Walker's knack for storytelling. In addition to Walker's considerable talents, many of the songs on BEST OF THE REST also highlight the pedal steel playing of sessions veteran Lloyd Maines, whose plaintive lines offer a wistful counterpoint to Walker's amiable tunes.