An Evening With Kris Kristofferson (The Pilgrim: Ch 77 - Union Chapel, London)

This intimate 2013 live set from country legend Kris Kristofferson was recorded at London's historic Union Chapel. Performed solo with just his guitar and a few harmonicas, it stylistically represents the same rough-hewn, warts-and-all approach of his late-career records like This Old Road (2006), Closer to the Bone (2009), and Feeling Mortal (2012). In front of a rapt audience, he digs into his deep well of songs, playing signature cuts like "Me & Bobby McGee," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," and "Silver-Tongued Devil" as well as highlights from those later records like "Shipwrecked in the 80's" and "Feeling Mortal." With a stark and honest delivery, these songs transcend the genres of country, folk, or rock, connecting emotionally in a way that feels truly authentic. Kristofferson was 77 years old at the time of the recording, and the album's title is a reference to his 1971 track "The Pilgrim - Chapter 33." Whether or not he's nearing his final chapter, this set is a fascinating document of a pretty storied career.