Having seen Dylan's last four Bay Area concerts - Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and Konocti Resort (which was great in part because of its exclusive remoteness) it's obvious the Greek is the perfect venue for him. The general admission provided a wonderful freedom to concert goers who could either sit comfortably or gather in the pit at the feet of the Master. Where I was - surrounded by lots of college kids who were absolutely rivited and enthusiastically enjoying every second of the concert. (UCB offers a Bob Dylan class!)

Bob looked - as always - impeccably attired. This time in what may be described as a black Spanish suit jacket with chain embellishments, black pants with a strip of rhinestones down each pant leg, a subtle and beautiful rhinestoned white Oxford shirt, a red tie, and brown Gypsy hat. It's important to state here that Dylan's costumes are never cartoonish but always appropriate and thoughtfully put together. (With a nod to a famous '60s SF photo that was reprinted in the Chronicle the Sunday before it, he wore his iconic black and white polka dot shirt to his Santa Rosa concert.)

To me, disparaging Dylan's (a master showman) taste in outfits is akin to disparaging his singing, which has always been crafted with the utmost care. Granted, in concert now, his voice can be a bit gravelly (whose wouldn't with his schedule?) but I beg to differ with ignorant critics throughout his career who opined that Dylan couldn't sing. That is - and always was - absolute horse rubbish.

The band, all versatile and uber-professional musicians, was absolutely superb, so disciplined and attuned to Bob's every cue. Dylan's interplay on stage with the new/old (?) lead guitarist, Charlie (a showboat both as a guitarist and a young man, the best of both worlds) creates some added spontenaity and a vital loseness. The trust is there, the talent is there, the sexual charisma is there, so rock on, Bob!

Anyone who feels they miss the old Bob Dylan should update their music collection. You're missing out on amazing multitudes of rich Dylan masterpieces. It was great hearing songs from the new albums Together Through Life and Modern Times. Highway 61 blew everyone around me away. And I was thrilled to hear Ballad of a Thin Man. Especially hot if you've enjoyed the movie, I'm Not There.

Bob played the keyboard, played guitar shoulder to shoulder with Charlie, and sang several songs mid stage standing in the spotlight with his harmonica. Who could ask for more?

LOVE YA, BOB.