Outspoken author and legendary outlaw country singer-songwriter Kinky Friedman will perform songs from his illustrious career at the Clarendon Guesthouse in Katoomba on Sunday night.
Nobody could invent a character quite like Kinky Friedman, the stogie-waving, black-hat-wearing Texas singer-storyteller, tequila purveyor, animal rescuer and full-time iconoclast.
Though renowned for penning for of country music’s most outrageous songs, including They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore, authoring bestsellers and running for governor of Texas, his 45-year career includes touring with Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue, recording with Eric Clapton, most of The Band and Ringo Starr.
He has also appeared on Saturday Night Live and the Grand Ole Opry, and can boast having written one of Nelson Mandella’s favourite songs.
Kinky also serves as the protagonist of his own crime novels, because even he couldn’t invent a character that could out-kink the real thing.
Before starting his current Australian tour, Kinky spoke at the National Press Club.
The presentation offered a unique insight into a man who attracted 12.6 per cent of the votes as an independent candidate in the 2006 election for the office of Governor of Texas.
A favourite of Australian audiences, Kinky’s The Loneliest Man I Ever Met Tour takes in dates around the country.
Filled with never-heard-before Kinky originals and beautifully rendered covers of such artists as Tom Waits, Warren Zevon and Willie Nelson, the new CD, of which the tour is named, is all about Kinky’s ability to deliver much more than just a funny line or humourous tune.
The spare, yet lush arrangements all highlight his unique talent as both a songwriter and interpreter of great material.
Guest performers, Nelson, Little Jewford and Mickey Raphael support but never override the simplicity of the tunes and the artist.
Supporting Kinky at the Clarendon will be Golden Guitar winning Australian artist Luke O’Shea.
For tickets visit clarendonguesthouse.com.au.
