Friedman, the author and provocateur, has also been a musician since the early 1970s and finally, after 39 years, he’s recorded a new studio album. It’s a mix of Friedman originals and a raft of covers including Merle Haggard’s ‘Mama’s Hungry Eyes’, Bob Dylan’s ‘Girl from the North Country’ and a duet with Willie Nelson on his own ‘Bloody Mary Morning’. Friedman’s dark humour frequently raises its head but the overwhelming emotion from the sparse and graceful musical treatments is one of melancholy and sadness – all framed by the passage of time. An overdue album but one that’s exceeded expectations.

Chris Familton