I personally love the recent concerts (I've lost count on the number I have attended) when Dylan warps a familiar song into something new and unpredictable. I think this is when his backing band really shines, and it takes courage to reimagine the familiar. There have been many instances when the new version actually seems more mature and forceful than the original - Ballad of a Thin Man is one that has become increasingly mystical over time. I do wish he toured with a bunch of singers and let them take the lead frequently, and some concerts have been very forgettable. One last example - I vividly recall a very strange & wonderful version of Masters of War at a minor league baseball field when Willie Nelson opened up for him - it was sublime; and had more depth than the original recording (I thought). Thanks for sharing this concert - I hadn't heard anything about it; and thanks so much for your great blog.
I personally love the recent concerts (I've lost count on the number I have attended) when Dylan warps a familiar song into something new and unpredictable. I think this is when his backing band really shines, and it takes courage to reimagine the familiar. There have been many instances when the new version actually seems more mature and forceful than the original - Ballad of a Thin Man is one that has become increasingly mystical over time. I do wish he toured with a bunch of singers and let them take the lead frequently, and some concerts have been very forgettable. One last example - I vividly recall a very strange & wonderful version of Masters of War at a minor league baseball field when Willie Nelson opened up for him - it was sublime; and had more depth than the original recording (I thought). Thanks for sharing this concert - I hadn't heard anything about it; and thanks so much for your great blog.