Review by Barry Gloffke
A rainy Monday night in NYC. ‘Put your hand in mine, I’ll see you don’t get wet’.
Night 3 of 7 at the Beacon for Bob and the Cowboys. For me, I’m half way
through my 10 day Dylan odyssey and loving every second of it.
Tonight the Band was spectacular… really great work all night from Charlie, and
Donnie. Nice interplay on several numbers between Bob and the aforementioned.
George went above and beyond his usual rhythmic and percussive splendor tonight
(maybe he was trying to impress Ringo who was in the audience). Bob’s voice was
a bit raspier than the previous four shows I saw, but he still delivered a strong
performance with many passionate and playful interludes. What I really love about
this current tour is the fabulous use of his harp. I noticed its absence when
listening to some boots of the last few tours. This tour certainly benefits from it.
Tonight Bob’s harmonica playing was brilliant and soulful. Not to be left unsaid is
Bob’s resurgent piano playing. Mostly gone is the annoying tinkering with the keys
that Bob had been stubbornly clinging to. Now we get a more wide ranging and
melodic sound from the ivories.
Standouts tonight for me were IT AIN’T ME, BABE (Donnie excelled on this). A
menacing and raw version of CRY A WHILE. An absolutely brilliant interpretation
of WHEN I PAINT MY MASTERPIECE. SCARLET TOWN (fantastic atmosphere and
Bob was growling and preening throughout). EARLY ROMAN KINGS (brutally
intense). DON’T THINK TWICE, IT’S ALRIGHT was simply beautiful… graceful and
poignant. A swampy rendition of LOVE SICK and lastly an exuberant take on
GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY.
Another solid show. Bows to Bob and the Band. Look forward to seeing Bob
and the Bobcats again tonight!
PS. Laurette, I hope you got in to see the show.
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