Vince Gill and Paul Franklin: Bakersfield (MCA Nashville) THERE’S already great talent combining guitarist singer/songwriter Vince Gill and pedal-steel musician Paul Franklin. Add to that the songs of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, and there’s a brilliant piece of country music history in the making.

The two performers refer to their new release as a “lifetime dream” to use the music they grew up with.

Gill says: “A special thank you to Merle and Buck for creating the most important era of country music history. The songs, singing and musicianship lit a fire in two kids – one from Detroit and one a red-dirt Okie.

This record is our way of honouring what you have taught us.”

The ten tracks are split evenly between Haggard and likewise the same for Owens. Songs featured include Hag’s Branded Man, The Fightin’ Side of Me, The Bottle Let Me Down, Holding Things Together and I Can’t Be Myself, and Buck’s Foolin’ Around, Together Again, He Don’t Deserve You Anymore, Nobody’s Fool But Yours and But I Do.

Country at its best from two of the modern greats.