August 13, 2014
Review by Sean Tanner
DYLAN THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN AGES
Prior to this evenings show, I once again reflected on the previous
Australian shows I had seen through the years
1992 Perth Entertainment Centre
One of the most amazing performances ive seen. Did Dylan really play the
Hendrix song "Dolly Dagger!@ This was my first Dylan show and made a last
impression. He was captivating and when it was just him and his guitar I
was transported to the intimacy of those early club shows in the 1960s.
1998 Australian Tour Melbourne x2, Sydney x 2 + Wollongong
This was Dylan at his best. Each show was unique but the first Sydney show
was the best concert ive been to as I secured front row centre stage a few
feet from my idol. Listening to the band through the stage speakers/stacks
instead of the house PA was one of the greatest aural experiences of my
life. This was a great tour and well worth the expense of seeing and
travelling to 5 shows!
2001 Perth Entertainment Centre POSTING ON EXPECTING RAIN
"All in All, a great start to the Oz tour especially as there was no front
of stage standing allowed. Highlights: MR TAMBOURINE MAN, JUST LIKE A
WOMAN, STANDING IN THE DOORWAY,WICKED MESSENGER, ROLLING STONE and HIGHWAY
61".
2003 Claremont
The 2003 Australian Tour featured Bill Burnette on guitar and a consistent
set list which seemed to be structured to suit him (he seem to struggle
badly). Bob himself was on piano and overall it was disappointing even
though the venue meant I could get nice and close (I did get to see Ray
Charles perform on that day so that was the memory that stayed with me).
2007 Burswood Dome, Perth POSTING ON EXPECTING RAIN
"Dylan has once more my friends taken me to another level. The depth and
the complexity of the performance by his band and himself was something I
cant recall witnessing before. But it is interesting that this was more
evident when he went on keyboards".
2011 Fremantle Blues & Roots Festival POSTING ON EXPECTING RAIN
"Sorry Guys, but it was a disappointment. I had marvelled at the
complexity, depth and beauty of the 2007 show but the Fremantle 2011
contained few standouts and " I hope that this was just an off night but
as said just found this show as being the most disappointing Dylan show
ive been too".
So how does Bob visited Perth in 2014 stack?
Well im pleased to say beyond expectations! This was the best Dylan
performance ive seen period matching that special night in Sydney 2008
when I managed to secure front of stage centre metres from my idol.
The Perth Convention Centre surprized me as being a nice intimate venue
and well suited to hearing this touring band. Thanks to a friend, I
managed to be sitting in the 2nd row, left of centre (opposite side to
Bobs piano unfortunately) .
At tonights performance every song was a standout in its own right. the
band is just so tight and imaginative, I just sat back and moved through
each band member enjoying the role they played in the montage of sound. It
really is inspiring hearing the quality of this musicianship in such an
intimate setting.
Ive not really enjoyed Dylan being solely on keyboards during past tours
but this time the experience was different. What was different? I think
its because I heard a change in his keyboard playing, those loverly guitar
runs that he did during the tours of the 90 seem to be now replicated on
keyboard and how I love it!
Bobs voice is seemed to be back to the strength it showed during 98 and
01 Australian tours in particular. The lean to newer material has I
thinked created this feeling - the songs have obviously been created to
suit his older vocal range and it certainly works.
This is not to say that he doesnt handle the older material well - tonight
we were treated to standout versions of Tangled Up In Blue and Simple
Twist of Fate, its more that i find the the newer material doesnt stretch
his vocals for the whole evening.
As said, every song was great tonight but a special mention must be made
to "Things Must Change" which kicked the set of - best Ive heard it and I
loved how it started with Stu Kimball started the number on acoustic
guitar.
Bob - last nights performance was stunning, thank you for still doing what
you do so well and bringing your band to our Australian shores for us to
enjoy!.
Sean Tanner
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