Posted on 11/22/2017 7:36:45 PM PST by Mariner
Every year at the end of November, Bob Dylan pushes pause on the Never Ending Tour to rest his bones for winter before returning to the stage in early April. Most years Dylan tries to end things in his adopted hometown of NYC around Thanksgiving (perhaps he secretly dresses as a clown to wrangle a giant balloon down Fifth Avenue) and on Monday, November, 20th Bob and his steadfast band played the first of four shows on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to wrap up their 2017.
The Beacon Theater was a nightmare to enter because of heightened security resulting in a half-full house for another legend opening the concert. Mavis Staples was a bundle of soulful energy, heartily clapping and singing with vigor throughout her forty five minute set. Opening with the Staples Singer classic “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” the band mixed her past with covers (a killer rendition of “For What It’s Worth”) and only a few new tunes, highlighted by the positive vibration filled “Build A Bridge”. Staples jovially chatted with the crowd between songs and gave a history lesson during the gospel send up “Freedom Highway” written by her father way back in 1962 and (unfortunately) still relevant today. A funky extended “I’ll Take You there” closed the set with crowd sing-alongs and excellent guitar work from bandleader Rick Holmstrom.
Bob Dylan and his dapper backing band (black suits with silver sparkled lapels) strolled onto the stage with little fanfare. For those who have not caught Bob on this Never Ending Tour (which started in about 1988) it can be difficult. His singing has notoriously been mixed and even when he plays songs fans may know, they usually are unrecognizable sonically. To keep things fresh
(Excerpt) Read more at glidemagazine.com ...
He defines the Dark Americana genre. HE knows more about American music that any living musician besides Keith Richard. Together they are the encyclopedia.
Don't miss this show before he dies.
Just do it. You will not regret it.
“For those who have not seen Dylan in his latter years, let me tell you he is better than ever.”
Saw him in June in Providence. His band was great. And it kills me to say this, but, he sucked.
People complain about his "gravelly, unprofessional voice" but that never bothered me as his phrasing is impeccable. Even if you don't like his singing, there are thousands of excellent covers of his songs by other artists.
He had a show on Sirius/XM radio about a decade ago called "Theme Time Radio Hour" that ran for a few years in which he played some of his favorite songs. He really knows his music and has just an incredible library of music at his disposal.
Sirius/XM really needs to have a dedicated channel for him.
not my experience and i’m sorry it was yours
“Bob Dylan is quite possibly the greatest songwriter in American music history. “
He and Tom Petty.
Pinnacle art.
Oh, and Merle Haggard.
Tom Petty is right up there as well.
Bob, Tom, Roy, Jeff - great tunes in the late 80's
And George!!
Here is an elderly group singing a Dylan song. (They were rather somber, as they had just lost one of their chorus members.)
Young@Heart "Forever Young" Live At Hampshire County Jail
(Now I'd like to see them rip into, "They'll stone you when you're trying to be so good..."!) :-)
Saw him about a year and a half ago in Minneapolis. His songs were virtually unrecognizable. Then again, they’re his songs and it’s his show. He can do it any way he wants.
Still, I was disappointed.
“Bob Dylan is quite possibly the greatest songwriter in American music history.”
Without a doubt. People throw the “G” word around too frequently but Bob is a genius.
bttt
One hell of a work ethic.
Keep in mind he’s the composer, arranger and conductor of everything that happens here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VC6PIVYSI4
Genius.
I love Dylan and have seen him in concert.
The guy is a master, brilliant, a genius. He certainly deserved the Pulitzer!
Ed
Time Out of Mind - Live - The entire album live.
Simply a Masterpiece.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.