Review: Willie Nelson at the Midland

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The hulking Texas flag that spanned nearly the entire length of the stage behind Willie Nelson at the Midland last week aptly figured Nelson’s longtime defiance of the mainstream. Over the course of his career, the outlaw troubadour has recorded in genres as far-reaching as jazz, blues and rock, defying expectation at every generational turn. If this performance is any indication, the bandanna-wearing septuagenarian will gladly carry his understated rebellion, along with his acoustic guitar and a tightly rolled spliff, with him to the grave.