Looking back on his eventful life, 73-year-old songsmith Kris Kristofferson shows no signs of wear and intimately opens up his soul on Closer to the Bone. With the help of famed producer Don Was, Kristofferson offers up a simple yet touching album filled with gritty acoustic ballads. The opening title track immediately sets the tone for the album; short, humble, and filled with undeniable character. Like an elderly bluesman rocking on a porch with a guitar in hand, the legendary songwriter sings in a craggy voice that drips with passion, and the instrumentation is also just as raw and vibrant. Although the disc does feature session masters Jim Keltner (drums) and Rami Jaffee (keys, accordion), it is Kristofferson’s unique picking style that keeps songs like “Starlight and Stone” and “Tell Me One More Time” chugging like an old coal train. There are also some touching moments where Kristofferson and guitar/mandolin player Stephen Bruton, known for his tenure in Kristofferson’s band, share what would be their final sessions together. Bruton, who died shortly after the sessions, adds unforgettable mandolin work on the title track and “Holy Woman.” Although Closer to the Bone clocks in at a mere 34 minutes, the tales told within that short time are eternal. (New West, newwestrecords.com)