Review by Kevin Waters
Brilliant. A wonderful concert. From the opening notes from Bob’s
guitar on Things Have Changed to the rip-roaring bluesy Train to
Cry, the whole show was lit, electric, incredible.
Bob had great energy, was very into the songs, and looked like he
was enjoying what he was doing. The band is mighty fine, getting
into a nice groove — from jamming rockers (Can’t Wait, Honest with
Me, Pay in Blood, Thunder on the Mountain) to the mellow ballads
(It Ain’t Me, Babe; Girl from the North Country, Soon After Midnight)
— they were in the sweet spot. It was a nice rhythm of Bob on
piano, then center stage with just a mic. And the occasional
harmonica playing, which sounded perfect. Not Dark Yet was
spectacular.
Lenny Bruce was mind-blowing. Gotta Serve Somebody & When I
Paint My Masterpiece were phenomenal.
Bob played with the lyrics on a few tunes (Lenny Bruce - “never did
make it to the promised land; never made it out of Babylon” is most
memorable). Gotta Serve was full of different lyrics (“you may be on
the wagon, you may be on the road” — or “on the trail,” I can’t
remember). His singing was solid, mostly clear, and vibrant.
The woman next to me let out an audible sigh when Make You Feel
My Love began - then cried throughout the song.
Trying to Get to Heaven was intense - singing like he meant every
syllable of the refrain (before they close the door...)
Oh yeah, Thin Man & Twist of Fate & Roman Kings & Highway 61
were also spectacularly good.
The set list is fabulous.
It helps to sit in the front row.
Can’t wait to see him next Friday in Northern Kentucky.
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