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In the midst of a rainy summer and below average temperatures we were reluctant to commit to a trip to Bethel, NY as we were already hooked up for a show closer to home.
However, the old alfalfa field of 40 years ago has been all prettied up and it is a good venue to see a show. So off to the woods we went.
In 1969 the country was well into a military conflict abroad and the banging of the drum for civil rights at home was echoing loud and clear. The Woodstock Festival brought together music, lots of people and social harmony. However, even though it was in his own backyard, amazingly it didn’t bring out Bob Dylan. Bob and his cowboy band showed up tonight.
We opted for lawn seats for this show and took up a piece of real estate center lawn. The sun was out but rain clouds lurked all around the park.
The Wiyos opened the evening and these guys inspired me to walk up the hill and buy a CD. Nice renditions of Blind Willie McTell and Lil’ Walter songs. The Wiyos are a bluesy, New Orleans ragtime, feel of a band with a lot of future potential.
Willie Nelson & his band gave a good performance. The little sister playing piano, just outstanding! We could have listened to Willie all night long.
John Mellencamp was a crowd pleaser with a nice solo on the acoustic guitar. Even with the rain that came folks were up on their feet singing along to some well done old favorites.
By the time Dylan took to the stage the rain had cleared and the stars were shining.
Attending a Bob Dylan show is like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates: “you never know what you’re going to get” (as far as, in the way a song will be played) and this show was no exception.
The show kicked off with an old favorite of the fans, Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat, and Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright, with Bob on guitar. In response, a good sing along, toe tap and hand clap from the crowd.
Tonight’s performance of Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, which would normally have me reaching for a piece of gum and saying ho hum instead had me engaged. The guitar licks made you take notice. However, it also had you looking to see if there was a monkey with a red hat sitting on Bob’s shoulder cranking the organ grinder. Po’ Boy is another tune that many fans might not have on their wish list. Bob and his cowboy band’s enticing version of this song plays better in show than on record.
With stars shinning in the night sky Bob moseyed out from his keyboard and played a hollowing harmonica and crooned out a captivating version of Forgetful Heart. For a moment you could imagine yourself camped out on the range with your feet by the fire and your head on a bed roll staring at the night sky. This is clearly another song that plays better in show then on record.
The muted man who sings and the soldier band made their stand with a set list that at first glance wouldn’t knock your socks off. But, that is what’s so amazing about a Bob Dylan show. What the show may lack in: popular favorites, dusty shelved never sung songs, or sing along renditions instead, provides you a new perspective of songs that aren't popular favorites ( they don’t get much play at home).
Despite a brief shower, tonight was a beautiful evening with the stars shinning and the sweet smell of timothy on the breeze. Bob Dylan the matchless musician and his polished cowboy band provided an evening of a couple of time-honored favorites, not so popular tunes coupled with new grooves that will grow old and better like fine wine. How about that Jolene!