Kristofferson to Release First Collection in Four Years

Kris Kristofferson will release his first collection of new material in four years on Jan. 29 titled, Feeling Mortal.

The Country Music Hall of Famer, Rhodes scholar, and former military officer, again teamed with longtime producer Don Was. The two spent three days cutting 20 sides with musicians Mark Goldenberg, Greg Leisz, Matt Rollins, Sara Watkins, Sean Hurley and Aaron Sterling.

The 10-track set includes “Just Suppose,” a negotiation with shame; “Castaway,” reminiscent of his time flying helicopters over the Gulf of Mexico; and “My Heart Was The Last One To Know,” written with Shel Silverstein and previously recorded by Connie Smith. The album ends with “Ramblin’ Jack,” for folk-singer Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.

“I always try to be as honest as I can in the songwriting, otherwise there’s no point in doing it,” said Kristofferson. “And what I’m finding, is that I’m more inclined to laughter than tears. I hope I’ll feel this creative and this grateful until they throw dirt over me.”

Feeling Mortal will be available on the iTunes store Jan. 22, one week before its physical release.