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Author Topic: A brief comparison with Mark  (Read 2262 times)

Offlinetwm

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A brief comparison with Mark
« on: July 03, 2013, 10:52:54 AM »
This is a (fairly balanced) review of a recent Dylan concert (Nashville, 30 June) which some might find interesting in itself but others might find boring. The review does, however, contain a passing reference to Mark at the end of Song #6:


Review by Francis King


Bob Dylan turned out an enjoyable performance in Nashville on Sunday night.
It was not the best of the 53 Dylan concerts I've seen since 1974, but it was
a solid B, maybe a low B+.  The band was stellar.  Dylan was very much
engaged with his performance.

Now, before turning to specifics about this particular show, some preliminary
observations.

I've read a few reviews lately that complain about the "deterioration" in
Bob's voice... one going so far as to suggest that it is "fraudulent" for him to
continue touring. Really?

Dylan isn't misrepresenting anything. Everybody knows his voice has aged to
the point where there's no real range left. Well, get over it.  Folks have
complained about Dylan's voice (or, more accurately, voices) since 1962. If
you think he sounds like an old codger now, well, give a listen to the
original "Blowin' in the Wind."

Frankly, I think his voice in 2013 sounds pretty much the same as it has since
about 2009, if not earlier. That being said, the appreciation of Dylan's approach
to singing is an acquired taste; always has been.  Some do.  Some don't.  I
always have.  Still do.  What he does with his voice (even what's left of it) is
uniquely entertaining.  There's never been anyone else like him, and never will
be.  (Who else could make "bottom" rhyme with "autumn," for example.  See
"Idiot Wind.")  Nobody else does anything remotely like this.  (No, I don't
subscribe to the Tom Waits comparisons.)

There's a Joni Mitchell interview on You Tube, in which she says, "Bob's
invented a character to deliver his songs."  While the remark comes off, initially,
as not intended to be flattering, she then adds, invoking a pretty passable
Dylan impersonation, "Sometimes, I wish I had that character myself."  Exactly. 
That character is what makes Dylan so special (well, one of the things that
does, anyway.)

O.K.  Sunday night's show.

1.   "Things Have Changed."  Basically, the same version he's been doing the past
couple of years.  Different from the original, but just as good.  The band was
wonderful on this one. Great rhythmic interplay between Stu Kimball's insistent
acoustic guitar, Tony Garnier's bass and George Recile's drums.  Not quite as
compelling as last year, when Mark Knopfler's lead was magnificent beyond
anything anyone else could hope to do.  (Sorry, Duke.)

2.   "Lovesick."  This was an excellent rendition, essentially true to the original,
but played better.  (This is one song that Dylan has not tinkered with much
over the years.)  Bob's vocals on this were clear and strong.  On this and other
numbers, his enunciation was quite clear and easily intelligible.  No mumbling, as
has sometimes been a problem in the past.  The clarity and authoritativeness of
his delivery compensated for the limited melodic range of his voice. Nice
interplay between Dylan's harmonica (albeit, a little shrill at times) and Robillard's
lead.

3.   "High Water (for Charley Patton)."  Another strong rendition.  Fine banjo
playing by Donnie Herron, who could actually be heard (in contrast to some
tours, when he was pretty much lost in the mix).  Again, pretty true to the
original.  Dylan, center stage (as with the first two numbers).  Fully engaged
with the song (if not the audience, to whom he spoke not a word all night. 
Not even to introduce the band.  Well, if you want banter with the audience,
Bruce is a better bet.)

4.   "Soon After Midnight."  The first of three offerings from 2012's "Tempest." 
True to the recorded version.  Nicely done.  (I have yet to figure out what this
song is about.)

5.   "Early Roman Kings."  The second one from "Tempest."  Excellent performance. 
Band shined.  Fine interplay between Robillard's lead and Dylan's grand piano. 
Best vocal performance of the night by Dylan. Powerful.

6.   "Tangled Up in Blue."  Yet another new arrangement of this classic, which
he's now done at least 10 different ways over the years.  This one had a great
bluesy instrumental in the middle, Duke offering a great lead.  For some reason,
Bob left out a couple of verses.  Interesting, subtle melodic change in the
opening line of each verse; well executed vocally by the supposedly "voiceless"
Dylan.  A high point

Offlinetunnel85

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2013, 10:01:07 PM »
Thanks twm
Very helpful to help force the decision to buy a ticket for Bob  in Geneva next October
I hope Charlie will be there.

OfflinePottel

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2013, 01:27:29 AM »
Still in doubt about the d
any Knopfler, Floyd or Dylan will do....

Offlinetwm

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2013, 01:33:23 AM »
I wanted to amend my earlier post but, unfortunately, wasn't able to get on the AMIT site earlier today. Since then, I've been busy and am only now back on board. Yes, Song #1, too.

The review came from a Dylan fan site and, apart from anything else, I just wanted to make it clear that not all Dylan fans were displeased by Mark's joining Bob's tour.
« Last Edit: July 05, 2013, 12:00:34 AM by twm »

OfflineAr (aka Enlight)

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2013, 02:25:07 AM »
I wanted to amend my earlier post but, unfortunately, wasn't able to get on the AMIT site earlier today. Since then, I've been busy and am only now back on board. Yes, Song #1, too.

The review came from a Dylan fan sit and, apart from anything else, I just wanted to make it clear that not all Dylan fans were displeased by Mark's joining Bob's tour.

I guess more MK fans were displeased with Dylan's voice and "attitude" than BD fans were displeased with Mark's "quick jump in" guitar playing during Bobs part of the show.

You can not compare both shows.
But I know for sure that the majority of the BD and MK fans respect both musicians .Through the years you don't have to be a musical
Einstein to do..............
 
Leaving nothing to interfere,
With the crazy balance of your mind.

Offlinedmg

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2013, 11:04:27 AM »
There is a personal like/dislike and a critical evaluation for an artist and they are two different things IMO.  One cannot deny the latter.
"...and I blew up the radio in pretty short order."

OfflinePottel

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2013, 11:16:21 PM »
any Knopfler, Floyd or Dylan will do....

OfflineAr (aka Enlight)

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #7 on: July 05, 2013, 02:46:45 AM »
those things happens.......does Richard has facebook?
But I was more surprised when John Prine shows up at the Americanarama Tour during the My Morning Jacket show in Memphis, July 2, 2013 and played his song
« Last Edit: July 05, 2013, 03:01:32 AM by enlight »
Leaving nothing to interfere,
With the crazy balance of your mind.

Offlinetwm

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2013, 11:31:05 AM »
On Robillard leaving the Dylan tour:

Dylan fans having been citing the following bit of (not very good) concert video as evidence of the reason Robillard left. If you can't be bothered watching the lot, skip forward to around 12.00 and watch for a couple of minutes or so:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL6q63j0m1E#t=12m00s

Robillard continues to solo, as Dylan, anxious to get on with it,  stops playing, leans down on the keyboard, walks back to talk to Donnie Herron and so on. It looks like Tony Garnier moves across to Robillard at one point.

Some concert-goers have said that Robillard also played over some of Bob's harmonica solos.

My view is that Bob is the boss but, when you run a show on a looser basis than many other performers (such as Mark, for example), you have to make your expectations clear in advance and need to have clear signals. If this was done and Robillard ignored it, then he is at fault. If it wasn't done, then it's down to Bob. If Robillard was indeed  a "repeat offender" (as it were), then it is difficult to see how he could stay.

I have never seen Robbillard live but I wonder if he is one of those guys who closes his eyes when he plays solos.

Of his departure, Robillard now says that it wasn't for musical reasons, that he had a lot of fun, that he respects Bob and that he thinks everyone involved in the tour was wonderful. Since he also says he left of his own accord, are these good enough reasons to sling your hook? I don't think so.

OfflinePottel

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Re: A brief comparison with Mark
« Reply #9 on: July 05, 2013, 03:15:33 PM »
some are citing financial difficulties.
most written comment was that most of the difficult ER members were actually quite happy to have him on board as he brought a freshness to the band.
any Knopfler, Floyd or Dylan will do....

 

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