A Friend in California (album)

A Friend in California is the forty-first studio album by American recording artist Merle Haggard with backing by The Strangers, released in 1986.

Critical reception

Music critic Robert Christgau wrote "Just when I decide he's gonna lay back forever he ambles into this. No Nippophobia, minimal love pap, a touch of Mexico, and lots of swing—except for one Freddy Powers pledge it keeps going till the obligatory sentimentality of the last two cuts."

Track listing

Personnel Merle Haggard – vocals, guitar, fiddle

The Strangers: Roy Nichols – guitar Norman Hamlet – steel guitar, dobro Clint Strong – guitar Mark Yeary – keyboards Dennis Hromek – bass Biff Adam – drums Jimmy Belken – fiddle Don Markham – trumpet, saxophone Gary Church – trombone, trumpet

with: Freddy Powers – backing vocals

and: Donna Faye – backing vocals

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1986) Peak position

Year-end charts Chart (1986) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 24

References