Friedman announces first original disc in four decades

Friedman will release "Circle of Life" on July 3 on his own Echo Hill Records.

A summer tour will follow in June, July and August.

Produced by Friedman and Brian Molnar, the first single, "Autographs in the Rain (Song to Willie)" is out. Molnar will open most of the tour dates.

The disc started with a call from Willie Nelson, who asked Friedman what he was doing at that moment. Friedman said he was watching Matlock, the old TV chestnut, to which Nelson replied, "That is a sure sign of depression, Kinky. Turn Matlock off and start writing."

Friedman started writing with the result being songs like "Jesus in Pajamas," "Me and My Guitar" and "A Dog Named Freedom." After writing several songs, Friedman called Nelson to let him know of his progress.

Joe Cirotti on multiple instruments and Mickey Raphael of Nelson's band, Augie Meyers, original Jewboy Little Jewford, Clay Meyers, and Jim Beal providing backing.

Tour dates are:
June 20 NACOGDOCHES, TX Banita Creek Hall
June 21 GALVESTON, TX Old Quarter
June 22 HOUSTON, TX McGonigel's Mucky Duck
July 1 PITTSBURGH, PA Club Cafe
July 2 ROARING SPRING, PA The Hungry Duck Tues.-
July 3-4 CLEVELAND, OH Nighttown
July 5 COLUMBUS, OH Woodlands Tavern
July 6 BUFFALO, NY Buffalo Ironworks
July 7 PAWLING, NY Daryl's House Club
July 8 NEW YORK, NY The City Winery
July 9 WASHINGTON, DC The City Winery
July 10 JERSEY CITY, NJ Monty Hall
July 11 FALL RIVER, MA The Narrows
July 12 COLLINSVILLE, CT Bridge Street Live
July 13 CAMBRIDGE, MA Club Passim
July 14 BLAIRSTOWN, NJ Roy's Hall
July 15 NEW HAVEN, CT Cafe Nine
July 16 SELLERSVILLE, PA Sellersville Theater
July 17 ANNAPOLIS, MD Rams Head On Stage
July 19 WOODSTOCK, NY Bearsville Theater
July 20 SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY Caffe Lena
July 21 RINGWOOD, NJ Live at Drew's House
July 22 PIERMONT, NY The Turning Point
July 29 SAN ANTONIO, TX Period Modern
July 30 DALLAS, TX Poor David's Pub
July 31 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The Blue Door
Aug. 1 TULSA, OK Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Aug. 2 KANSAS CITY, MO Knuckleheads, The Gospel Lounge
Aug. 3 POMEROY, IA Byron's
Aug. 4 MADISON, WI Kiki's House of Righteous Music
Aug. 5 CHICAGO, IL Space
Aug. 6 MILWAUKEE, WI Shank Hall
Aug. 7 ST. PAUL, MN Turf Club
Aug. 9 ST. LOUIS, MO Off Broadway
Aug. 11 DENVER, CO Hi-Dive