Kris Kristofferson, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow Tuesday night's concert began at 8pm - not the 19.30 mentioned on the ticket, which referred to the doors opening and not the start time - with singer-songwriter Roddy Hart showing, particularly on the rocking Flames, why Nashville-based Compass Records have picked up his Bookmarks album for US release. And, in a pleasant surprise for the assembled fans, Hart got a little help from a certain Mr Kristofferson on his favourite song, Home.
One-man-and-his-guitar (and harmonica) shows such as these that Kristofferson has brought to Scotland are undoubtedly the best way to hear this enduring talent. He could easily hire a band to smooth over the cracks, but slickness wouldn't suit him. He is a man who always takes things at his own pace, even apologising for not keeping up with the clappers who want to impose their sense of rhythm, and laughing when a key change turns out a little creaky.
The result on Tuesday was two sets that were just downright real. All human life was here: and quite a lot of it that was inhuman too, as Kristofferson certainly didn't hold back on his stance on Iraq. Tales of drunk-tanks and drug ODs sat alongside the humorous inspiration of former Byrd Roger McGuinn's proto-CCTV, plus love songs to lovers, Kristofferson's dad and his kids. Indeed, even when singing about being a dad, Kristofferson managed to avoid corny. With his weathered tone, he put it all over with intimacy, warmth and ad libs that enhanced the character of a characterful performer.
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