Well, I lucked out into some last-minute ducats to catch Dylan last night, and BOY am I glad I did! Remember that the last time I saw him (Atlanta '98) I walked out in disgust. Last night was a whole 'nuther matter...he played a solid 2 1/2 hour show, full of his new songs (Summer Days & High Water were the highlights for me) and an incredible array of his older material...
I sat there in awe listening to spell-binding versions of "Masters of War" (done in a slow sizzling blues), "Rainy Day Women", "Blowin' In The Wind", "Girl From The North Country" (a beautiful version, really nice guitar work by Larry Campbell), "Watchtower", "I Shall Be Released", and the list goes on & on. I don't think I heard anyone say "I wish he would have played____________". He only played 1 Time Out Of Mind tune, "Lovesick" - the bulk of his show was very upbeat. The audience of around 6,000 was really into it, and there were folks from 6 to 60 literally. What an amazing career this man's had and what a powerful effect on the music of a couple generations! And what a band! Campbell & Charlie Sexton performed the yeoman's duty of the music, Campbell especially impressing with his various turns on mandolin, banjo, pedal steel, electric & acoustic guitar. And how exciting to see Dylan (who has a couple of years on Joni) not just performing but truly enjoying himself, relating to the crowd (without having to speak a word), and touring a strong album of powerful songs. Obviously Dylan doesn't have to do anything for income, he's just doing it because he freaking LOVES it. And last night, I did too. Bob NP: Kevin Gilbert, "Fun"
