The Austin Sessions

Kris Kristofferson

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 24, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B00000JZBX
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,615 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When an artist rerecords the songs that brought him fame, fans have a right to be skeptical. After all, such moves are generally prompted more by a yearning to restore one's financial rather than artistic standing. This project by country maverick Kris Kristofferson, however, has one major factor in its favor: Kristofferson's original early-1970s recordings of the likes of "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," and "The Pilgrim: Chapter 33" were significant, but less than definitive. Here he returns to the tunes that helped lay the groundwork for the Outlaw movement of the '70s, but in place of the stolid Nashville arrangements on the originals is more sympathetic accompaniment. While The Austin Sessions is star-studded (guests include Steve Earle, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, and Alison Krauss), the project really rests on the broad shoulders of Kristofferson, who fares well. Never a threat to George Jones as a vocalist, he nevertheless sounds comfortable in a largely acoustic setting rasping his way through songs he should be prouder than ever for penning. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD is one of the best Kristofferson has put out., October 30, 1999

By A Customer

I've enjoyed Kris Kristofferson since the mid 70's and I have to say this one ranks as one of the very best. Even though I have all these songs on various other albums, cassettes and CD's such as "The Best of Kristofferson" "The Silver Tongued Devil and I" and "Jesus Was A Capricorn" the way that Kris and the other artists perform them is outstanding. I hesitate at buying CD's that contain the word "session" in them because I'm always afraid it will be nothing more than a jam session but The Austin Sessions has me craving for more. This is basic Kristofferson at his best with songs like Sunday Morning Coming Down, Why Me, For the Good Times, The Silver Tongued Devil and many more of the best songs he ever wrote. Add to this the harmony of such greats as Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and others and you end up with one superb CD.I only hope more will follow.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mellowing with age..., October 20, 1999

By A Customer

I've been a fan of Kris for 20 years. I've loved every recording he's ever done. His style is unlike anyone else I've known. He doesn't try to imitate anyone, or any style. He is his own style. Kris has had political, comical, sad, and love songs. Every one imparting a message from his heart.As his life changed, it seemed to reflect in his songs, and this albumn is a perfect example of that. It shows a more mature, mellow Kris kristopherson. I love the way his voice has softened, and gotten that "raspy" quality to it. The back-up is gentler, and fuller, and compliments him perfectly, and the added touch of Matraca Berg in "For The Good Times" is wonderful! I am struck by his statement that "Time and the road have whittled the fat away 'til there is nothing but bone and sinew." What more could be said of this albumn? It is pure Kris Kristopherson..true to who he is, in love with his music, and willing to share this most inner-part of himself with all who will open their hearts and truly hear.Thanks Kris, from one who does hear.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The very spirit of country music, April 7, 2000

By	Sergey Vereykin (Moscow, Russia) - See all my reviews

Maybe it's easier for me to judge this album, because I haven't heard original versions of Kristofferson's songs. For me "The Austin Sessions" represent the very spirit of country music. The arrangements, the lyrics, the tunes - everything is perfect. Country music isn't very popular in Russia, but I'm sure, after listening to this album, people would understand, why there are so many fans of all over the world. You don't need to be a Caruso to sing country songs - Kris prooves it with every track. You need to have something inside you - a spirit of old good times, when everything seemed so simple and plain...