KRIS KRISTOFFERSON – CLOSER TO THE BONE

Kris Kristofferson – one-time Highwayman, the man who penned the classic Me and Bobby McGee, and the man who has been covered by over 500 other recording artists – the ultimate songwriters, songwriter. Behind Kristofferson was there was Stephen Burton. Burton joined Kristofferson’s band at the age of 20 as a guitarist and back-up vocalist, he died after the recording of Closer to the Bone at the age of 60 and the album is dedicated to him. As producer Don Was said: “He and Kris just had a lock that Kris is never going to be able to get with anybody. It’s what comes from 40 years of playing together. They just had a way of weaving together.” Closer to the Bone is 11 locked down, personal and simple songs on friendship, grief, loss, love and family – bringing a personal touch to songwriting seems obvious now, but this is the legacy that Kristofferson brings to country music in the way Dylan did for folk and pop. The production is smooth, a little too so, but then I have never been a fan of Don Was in that department. But the songs remain the same. Songs for friends departed – Good Morning John – about Johnny Cash; and those for his children – From Here to Forever – along with a wonderfully supportive  – Sister Sinead – with the wry, “And maybe she’s crazy/And maybe she ain’t/But so was Picasso and so were the saints…” Kristofferson is a long way from joing them, but he can rest easy when that day comes that he has left another fine album for the rest of us to savour.

*** 1/2