Country legend Kris Kristofferson [ tickets ] is gearing up for a short run of shows in advance of his first studio album in 11 years, "This Old Road," due in March.

The versatile Kristofferson will take on a schedule of shows leading up to the March 7 release date of the new album, beginning with a Jan. 9 gig in Portland, OR, the first of two nights in that city for the singer.

All of Kristofferson's shows before the album's release will be located on the western side of the country. He'll play a few dates in the East and South after the disc hits stores, including a May 19 date in Nashville, TN.

"This Old Road" was recorded in Hollywood and produced by Don Was (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones), who also plays bass and piano on the album. It marks the first effort by Kristofferson for his new record label, New West Records.

"Since I founded the label in 1996, I have wanted to make a record with Kris. I feel honored to be working with him," New West president Cameron Strang said in the press release announcing Kristofferson's signing.

Kristofferson--who splits his time between music and a busy acting career--was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in November 2004.