Kinky Friedman at Daryl's House

-Tara

Kinky Friedman mustn't have felt lonely as he played to a full house at Daryl's House in Pawling, NY this past Saturday. Touring in support of his latest album (and first in over thirty years), The Loneliest Man I Ever Met, Friedman was the epitome of an entertainer whether he was singing, telling stories, or cracking jokes (which decidedly and hilariously, were not PC). On stage clad in his signature black with a guitar, a cigar and glass of tequila (with lime) on a stool nearby, Friedman played old favorites as well as songs from the new record. Alternating the somber "The Ballad of Ira Hayes" with the raucous, like a former president's "favorite song," "Waitress, Please Waitress," the song that won him the Male Chauvinist Pig Award, "Get Your Biscuits In The Oven & Your Buns In The Bed" and fan favorite, "Asshole From El Paso" the applause--and guffaws--were in abundance from the attentive audience.

Friedman does comedy well, but amidst the humor there is a serious, sensitive, thoughtful side with (maybe a little sadness or disappointment too) from one who has seen a great deal, has opinions and isn't afraid to express them. He included songs which he summed up as ones that can be applied to present day, like "A Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” and "My Shit's Fucked Up" (which the crowd oddly found humorous) as well as "Mama's Hungry Eyes."  He closed with the poignant "Pickin’ Time" before coming out for an encore of "They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore." After the show Friedman (humorously self diagnosed with EOA...early onset asshole) met everyone and signed "anything except bad legislation."

Friedman's producer on The Loneliest Man I Ever Met, Brain Molnar opened the show with a well received half hour set. He, like Kinky, played acoustic accompanied by Joe Cirotti, who also lent his incredible talents to the record, on guitar.

For some, the Kinkster may be an aquired taste, but with more than twenty dates on the tour remaining, you'd be remiss if you didn't seek him out. Friedman certainly doesn't seem to be slowing down, and for us, that's a good thing.

Oh, and if you are interested who the outspoken Texan says he is leaning toward in the Presidential race, for now Sanders has his vote.

To keep up with Kinky, purchase the new record and more, visit his website for more information.

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