MOG

Originally posted on September 4th, 2006:

I saw Bob Dylan last night. My brain still refuses to accept that.

First, whoever was in charge of the sound should be fired. I couldn't hear the bass at all and I had to strain to hear the organ. The concert was originally supposed to be at Medlar Field, but was moved inside to the Bryce Jordan Center because there was a chance of rain. I understand that the acoustics of a baseball field are different than that of a basketball gym, but still.

Jamie and I got there about 30 minutes before the doors opened. We were able to get wristbands for the floor, so we hurried down to get a good spot. We were about six rows from the stage. Four different bluegrass bands opened.

I left after the first opener to get a couple of shirts and was amazed by the amount of kids that were there, I mean little kids, like 5 and 6 year olds. I was thinking that those kids had no idea how lucky they were and what they were about to see.

Set List: 1.) Cats In The Well - Dylan's vocals were a little rough starting out, but they got better and better.

2.) Lay, Lady, Lay - This was an extended version.

3.) Tweedle Dee And Tweedle Dum - This is one of my least favorite Dylan songs, but I like what he did with the vocals.

4.) Just LIke A Woman - Amazing. A lot of the songs were revamped and the arrangement of this song along with Dylan's voice was incredible. He ended it with a long harmonica solo.

5.) Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues - Dylan really got into this song. He was dancing during the instrumental part.

6.) Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again - Bob accidentley sang a verse twice and he and the band had a good laugh about it.

7.) The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll - Very laid back version. It took me a while to recognize it.

8.) Things Have Changed - They finally turned the sound on the organ up, so I could actually hear the parts he played between the verses.

9.) To Ramona - One of the guys played a mandolin during this one and Bob played a great harmonica solo.

10.) Tangled Up In Blue - This was the highlight of the night for me. Last year, the only Dylan I had was a tribute CD. I hated his voice and didn't understand why people like him so much. The first time I heard this song I got it. He also added some new lyrics.

11.) Forever Young - A couple of guys noticed I was recording during this song and asked me if I could send them a copy. They completely ruined the song. I'll hide my recorder better next time.

12.) Highway 61 Revisited - The crowd went crazy when he played this. It was definitely the most energetic song of the night.

Encore

13.) Like a Rolling Stone - This was played very slow.

14.) All Along the Watchtower - He sang the vocals really loud. Great closer.

It really looked like Bob was having a lot of fun up there, even after 30 years of doing it. He was dancing and joking with the band.

Interesting thing: About halfway through the set Jamie and I were able to move two rows closer to the stage. A lot of people had left. Bob didn't touch a guitar during the show, and I think that turned people off. I was a little disappointed when I saw him take his place at the organ, but I forgot about once he started singing. Great, great show. I hope I see him again soon.

Let me know if you want a copy of the recording.

Posted on 10/24/2006