Kris Kristofferson - Broken Freedom Song: Live from San Francisco

Kristofferson at his ever-lovin' best...

I've always been in awe of Kris Kristofferson. It's not the heartfelt worship one feels for Cash, nor the friendly sort of camaraderie evoked by Willie, nor even the "I hope he's on our side or we're gonna lose" respect I'll always have for Waylon. No, it's certainly not the same thing at all, but it's just as strong in its own way...and the reasons for it are right here on this album.

Hearing Kristofferson's stripped down, heartfelt, head-on versions of these songs makes me realize just what a strong voice for America he is and how little appreciated he's been for most of his career. Sure everyone knows he's one of the greatest songwriters of last half-century with songs such as "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make It Through The Night," and "Sunday Morning Coming Down" under his belt, just to name a few. And those are great songs, too. But, it's songs like "Casey's Last Ride," "Sandinista," and "Shipwrecked in the Eighties" that always had a more lasting impact on me for their poigniant social and political criticisms.

Many of the songs on this live album are as strong today as they ever were and the raw intimacy of these recordings lend them a far more touching approach than many of the more familiar studio versions. I'd always hoped Kristofferson would do a Storytellers styled album and this certainly fits the bill. Granted, Kris doesn't describe the importance behind every song, in fact, he keeps his words fairly brief for the most part, but their is a connection the listener feels when listening to this album. You feel like you're right there with this man whose very songs are his stories...and the stories of others around the world that need and require telling (as in "The Circle," for instance).

Kris Kristofferson is one of the last of that breed of singer/songwriters who still write and sing about things that matter, things that are important to him and should be important to all of us. Furthermore, he does this without having to couch his songs, his stories in lavish productions that other artists sometimes favor. No, here we have pure, gritty truth at its unvarnished, unfiltered best. And even better, here we get it straight from the mouth of the man himself. So, do yourself a favor, stop reading this review, and get yourself a copy today.

Oh, and remember: "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down." February 22, 2006

Kris's songs have been with me all my adult life

I loved Kris's songs when I first heard them in my twenties. They helped me through difficult times, sometimes making me cry and others times just identifying with that something deep in your soul. I have bought Kris's last two CDs and love them both. I'm so glad he's continued to "tell it like it is". In the early years he "told it" more on an individual basis. Now the problems of this world are huge and he sees it and is not afraid to say so. Honesty, integrity and soul are in all his songs, and this CD proves he still has these marvellous qualities. He's the kind of guy I'd like to sit down and listen to as he talks of his take on the world today. I hope he puts out more CDs. I will most definitely be a buyer. January 1, 2004

You just cant hide a fire

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. December 26, 2003

KRIS DELIVERS

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. August 19, 2003

Excellent Album!!

Kris Kristofferson is at the top of his game with this album, covering more obscure materials plus a number of unreleased songs. I think the songs are move meaningful performed live with a three piece band. I would highly recommend this album to anyone. Standout soung include "The Cirle", "Road Warrior's Lament", "Sandinista", and "Don't Let the Bastard's Get you Down". I own all of Kris' albums...this one is definately one of the best. August 16, 2003

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