July 23, 2013
Review by John E. Dickerson
I'd never been to Merriweather Post Pavilion so wasn't entirely sure to
expect. The size of the facility means that if you're on the grass well
back from the covered seating, you really can't see much of anything on
the stage. To help make up for it, there's a large jumbotron mounted in
front of the covered area so people on the grass are treated to close-up
camera views of the performers. More on that in a second.
This was also the first trip to a Bob show in almost two decades that
didn't include my good friend John back in Iowa. So to make up for it, I
brought along my 14 year old for his first Dylan show.
Traffic was ridiculous so we missed Ryan Bingham entirely and didn't
arrive till the start of My Morning Jacket. I'd been listening to MMJ
since hearing Jim James' vocals on Goin' to Acapulco and was disappointed
not see their whole show. These guys are good. Even my son approves.
Kind of like psychedelic hip hop. Spacy lyrics with a funky groove and Jim
James's vocals don't get enough praise in my book.
I'd seen Wilco before and knew what to expect. They're great musicians
and have some interesting songs, but I always get the impression they're
following a guide called "How to Play Americana". When My Morning Jacket
ends a song with an electronica jam it sounds fresh and improvised. When
Wilco does it, it feels rehearsed. Still, near the end of their set they
seemed to loosen up and ended up with a fine show.
Bob and his band appeared on stage with no fanfare and went right in to
Things Have Changed. I love this song anyway, but if ever there was a song
that shows off his ability to play with the phrasing of his lyrics, this
is it. Trying to sing along was like riding a roller coaster with a
blindfold on: you know what's coming but not exactly when. Love Sick was
riveting too, but High Water seemed to be missing some fire and brimstone.
I really enjoyed hearing Duquesne Whistle, Soon After Midnight and Early
Roman Kings, probably because they were played pretty much straight ahead
and it was easier for the band to get in sync. The songs that departed
from their usual rhythms (Tangled, Watchtower) seemed to start
erratically. But George and Tony (and sometimes Stu) eventually got
everybody back on track. Thank God for George Recile. He was the rock
that truly held the show together. Colin Linden is still trying to get
comfortable playing along with Bob's piano, a tall order for anyone, so
there weren't as many guitar leads as usual. Curiously, there were no
camera close-ups during Bob's set like there were with the earlier acts.
From my position it was hard to tell which guitarist was playing what. I
have to say that the highlight for me was She Belongs to Me. This was a
solid version of one of the songs that made me into a fan oh so many years
ago. Another highlight was Simple Twist of Fate. While it's never been
high on my list of favorite songs, tonight's version really captivated me.
In the end, it must have been a good show because on the ride home my son
actually wanted to listen to the songs we saw performed and talked about
it all the way home. Any time I can get him to open up and have a real
conversation is a win in my book. Thanks, Bob.
Review by Todd Holden
Bob gave a great performance tonight at the famed 'One of the 10 Best
Venues' in the country, Merriweather Post Pavilion. To be honest, I
think Bob was stoned out of his tits tonight...teetering onstage, leaning
on his grand piano, leaning on the speakers behind the piano...he was
drinking something, most likely water, because it was warm tonight,
surely on stage with the brilliant flames adding a small touch of
intimacy to the performance.
Nonetheless, stoned, tired, fatigued, or just not up to par, he gave a
brilliant performance to the delight of the packed house. Especially
brilliant was 'High Water [For Charley Patton), Tangled Up In Blue,Love
Sick, all done with major piano and new arrangements. All Along the
Watchtower was smoking...rousing the crowd to its feet and building to a
power-down climax. Tony Garnier was working over time on the stand up
bass and regular bass...he played his ass off... Simple Twist of Fate
was re/arranged and I liked it more than most...
Couple of us were surprised to see Charley Sexton is no longer with the
band, but his replacement, Colin Linden played masterfully, very close to
Bob at the grand. Matter of fact, I noticed a new arrangement of the
band onstage...mostly facing Bob, rather than lined up across the
stage. It worked for me.
Bob just looked tired, but there's no quit in him...he came to play
and not just for the ride. It was warm, humid and outdoors...a beautiful
night...filled with romping, stomping Bob Dylan and His Band...
For my money My Morning Jacket smoked Wilco...start to finish, but
that's just my opinion...
Jim James could lose the cape and Harry Potter references...but again,
that's his choice...He was in fine, high-volume and the band was as tight
as a rat's ear.
All in all , one of the best Bob shows I've seen...and the total is now
well over 137. At 74 I am truly in awe of Bob's continuing dedication to
his muse and his music...He lives to play...and truly, plays to live.
Long may he live.
note to John Dickerson...re: Merriweather Review...
After I read your fine review, it bears mentioning, last night Three
Generations of my family went together. My son, 43, his daughter, 19,
and me, 74 years old.... Believe me, we always have had an easy time
conversing, and going to see Bob shows...It's the best when 3
generations can have such a great time, with one common focus, a living
legend....
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