Kris Kristofferson Album: “Live at the Philharmonic”

Description :

Personnel: Kris Kristofferson (vocals, guitar); Stephen Bruton (guitar); Mike Utley (organ); Donnie Frits (keyboards); Terry Paul (bass); Sammy Creason (drums). <p>Previously unreleased 1972 live recording from Philharmonic Hall in New York City. Includes liner notes by Nick Shaffran. <p>In recent years, Kris Kristofferson has become so familiar a presence on movie and television screens that it's easy to forget he was once "the next big thing" in country music. During the early '70s, though, Kristofferson was Nashville's hottest songwriter; he had a seemingly bottomless supply of hits and was at the epicenter of the emerging outlaw country movement. His stock was so high that late in 1972 Kristofferson was invited to perform at New York's Philharmonic Hall. The concert was recorded, but Kristofferson already had two new studio albums ready for release in 1973, so the live album was laid aside. LIVE AT THE PHILHARMONIC, which finally surfaced in 1992, was worth the wait. <p>In a way, it's fortunate that this album arrived so late in the game. Had this record come out in 1973, it would merely have served to put another feather in Kristofferson's already well-plumed cap. By 1992, however, Kristofferson's remarkable prime was long forgotten. LIVE serves as a welcome reminder of just what a powerful songwriter Kristofferson was in his prime. The album harbors other unexpected treats: guest performances by Willie Nelson and Rita Coolidge and a clever parody of "Okie From Muskogee."

This 1972 concert may seem a bit outdated, technologically speaking. However, to any fan of good country music, it still seems as alive and vivid as the night it was recorded.

Kris Kristofferson tears through such classics as "Jesus Was a Capricorn," "Nobody Wins," "Loving Her was Easier (than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)", "Sugar Man," "For the Good Times," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," and "The Pilgrim: Chapter 33." However, he also covers some other people's songs: John Prine's "Late John Garfield Blues," the Hag's "Okie From Muskogee," and his own keyboardist's beautiful "Rainbow Road."

There are a few surprises, of course. Guest appearances include future-superstars Willie Nelson (Kristofferson actually turns the stage over to Willie for four songs, to the crowd's delight) and Larry Gatlin (he sings his own "Help Me," along with Kristofferson). Kristofferson's wife, Rita Coolidge, helps close out the album on such classics as "It Sure Was (Love)" and "Me and Bobby McGee."

LIVE AT THE PHILHARMONIC is a must for Kristofferson fans. Whether you're a long-time fan (in which case, you already have this album) or are new (like me), this is one you've got to hear. If you like stellar songwriting and a down-home voice, this is also a must-have. Kris Kristofferson is without a doubt a legendary performer; this album helps show us why.

This album only came out in 1992, twenty years after the 1972 concert it documents.

The sound is good, Kris Kristofferson is backed by an excellent band (drums, bass guitar, electric lead guitar, organ, piano), and he sings a fine selection of material from his then-current album "Jesus Was A Capricorn", as well as some of his older songs and a handful of Willie Nelson's compositions.

Willie Nelson, who hadn't yet achieved superstar status himself, guests on several songs, as does Kris Kristofferson's wife, singer Rita Coolidge, who duets with him on the classic "Me And Bobby McGee" and the slightly jazzy "It Sure Was (Love)".

Kristofferson performs great renditions of "Nobody Wins", "Billy Dee", "For The Good Times", "Sunday Morning Comin' Down", "Loving Her Was Easier Than Anything I'll Do Again" and John Prine's "Late John Garfield Blues". Willie Nelson takes the lead vocal on a superb reading of his own "Funny How Time Slips Away". And Kristofferson sings Tom Ghent's "Whiskey, Whiskey" and an altered version of Merle Haggard's redneck anthem, "Okie From Muskogee", calling it "the only bad song he [Haggard] ever wrote".

This is a very good document of Kris Kristofferson at the peak of his abilities. Highly recommended to Kristofferson fans, hardcore and casual alike.