Kris Kristofferson Album: “Broken Freedom Song: Live From San Francisco”

Kris Kristofferson's latest CD answered many questions. His voice has held up over the years, which surpised me after hearing his shakey vocals on the "Landmine" various artists album. He's still a fine present day singer/songwriter as well as a respected actor. Kris is also willing to take risks by releasing a live CD of obsure songs instead of famous ones. "Broken Freedom" is a collection of deep, thought out numbers that mainly focus on Kristofferson's stories that come from the extreme left. Unlike Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, Kris zeros in on innocent individuals or groups caught in a crossfire rather than a targeting a specific political party. Longtime session partner Stephen Bruton provides solid backing to this stripped down unplugged album that flows from beginning to end. The lasting impression at concerts conclusion is that Kris & Co. still give a "____". This is a recommended CD for fans from the past looking for something different. New listeners should best look elsewhere like a studio greatest hits package or the "Austin Sessions" where Kristofferson can be heard with a full sound.

My Dad is a huge Kris Kristofferson fan, and while growing up, even though it sounds corny, his songs really provided a soundtrack to our days. Riding in the car especially, my dad would play Kris or J. Cash or Dylan. Pretty great music. I have to admit that since I have grown and moved out of my dad's house, and even moved out of the state where I grew up and my dad still lives, I have not listened to a whole lot of Kris' music. But I was in Tower Records yesterday, and I saw this CD, and I bought and listened to it, and then listened to it again. Lots of memories flooded back to me, brought back just by the sound of his voice and the content of the songs. Kris is an amazing artist, he is honest, he is true, he recognizes the spirit and stands up for what he believes. Its hard to express, but, oh well, thanks Kris, the album means alot to me already.

A very emotionally charged live album.

Kris' vocals are in top form.

I wasn't expecting much and got blown away by this stellar performance.

One of his best!

If you are not a fan, this will make you one.

Wonderful as usual. Of course I am very old so you all may not like this but I in my late late 60's do.

Anne

The last Kristofferson songs I owned (and I have them all)are on vinyl-and thats how long its been. Then a lot of groove, base line and back beat came in between, so recently I was looking for something fresh. As every one knows you cant really go back - except for the "walking Contradiction" that is.

He still has a voice like God and is effortlessly lyrical in Broken Freedom Song. In an age when most artists try to reinvent themselves (usually badly) Kris Kristofferson comes back at you with more poetry and lyric to break your heart. And the tone of the album in terms of subject is exquisite and speaks more for this Picasso of song than anything else. For my self, its good to know my youth was not all misspent.