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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Since 1996 |
Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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In Concert: Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Amos Lee At: Merriweather Post Pavilion In: Columbia, Maryland On: September 28, 2007 By: Tony LaFianza Opening for Bob Dylan were Amos Lee and band, who put on a spiritual, soulful rock and roll concert, and Elvis Costello, sans band. Both delivered fine shows, but Costello's almost hour-long set was masterful. His set alone was worth the price of admission. Costello stood alone under the white lights, dressed in black, and belted out his most colorful songs. He even seemed happy to be there and ready to party. The only angry sneer he could muster was reserved for his political side, which did come out a couple of times through the evening. This night Costello, trading between two of his Gibson acoustic guitars all night, pulled out some more obscure choices while hitting some favorites as well. He sang and played "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding," "Radio Sweetheart," "In Another Room," and a great version of "Alison." Costello's voice was pure, clear, booming, and his guitar playing was terrific. Clearly enjoying himself, he'd finish every song with sweeping drama and then as he stepped out from behind the mic stand, throw up his arms and puff out his chest in a "what do ya think of me now?" gesture. Well, Elvis, we think you're brilliant! He proved to be a very hard act to follow. But follow him someone must... Merriweather Post Pavilion is an open air venue with a lawn in the back and covered orchestra seats in the front. The night atmosphere was clear, but buzzing as Bob Dylan ambled onto the stage dressed in black. He wore a black suit with sparse white trim that one might describe as a country tuxedo, and wearing a very wide brimmed gaucho hat. Dylan looks to be in good shape physically for a man his age, 66, but keeps us guessing throughout the night by moving from fragile old man dances to playfully charming boyish grins. His band joined him dressed in matching gray suits and hats. Each man took his position behind and around Dylan and watched for the man to signal the music to start. The first song was "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35," and Dylan kept a bit of the New Orleans sloppy funk of the original but added a dose of lounge that kept the audience from too much of a sing along - even with the very familiar chorus: "everybody must get stoned..." In fact, the first few songs were all kind of lounge versions of Dylan originals as Dylan stood center stage and played his Fender electric guitar picking out the solos in front of the band. Dylan's voice, at first, was rusted iron bullfrogs in a monotone, mumbling mostly marbled shibboleths. Since his vocals are so abrasive, the sound man should have pulled back on his mic a bit, it was too loud and pushy so any mood Dylan may have been emoting in the light evening breeze was too forced and therefore unsuccessful. Still the songs are strong and classic; and the band was catching a groove as it warmed up. If one comes to Dylan's shows without expectations and allows the man to do what he wants to do with his creations, you can get into the groove with the guys in the band and Dylan himself. Otherwise one may be disappointed because he refuses to leave well enough alone. The one constant with Dylan's live material is change. That said, even with no expectations, the first half hour of the show was slow, even boring. However, the groove built as the band played on and Dylan got more and more loose. He even began to sing after a while! After only three songs, Dylan laid down his guitar and moved to his keyboards, where he camped out for the rest of the night, to play "Simple Twist of Fate." It was the next number, a rockin' good "Rollin and Tumblin," that finally took the show energy to the next level. "Workingman's Blues #2" was fantastic as Dylan and the band were now hitting on all cylinders. The rest of the night flowed as Dylan played half a dozen songs from his latest record, Modern Times, and lots more. The arrangements were adventurous, sometimes smooth and always well executed. Dylan's keyboard playing and his harmonica were spot on through the night. Another real highlight was the ramblin' rockin' "Highway 61 Revisited." "Ain't Talkin'" was great and even brought a smile to Dylan's face as one could sense that he was having a good time now, even with a stumbling tongue in the middle of the song. He finished the set with "Masters of War," a classic that proves Dylan's verse is timeless. The encore was "Thunder on the Mountain," and a soulful "Blowin' in the Wind." Dylan took extra care with the final number singing each line with passion, using that clearer voice that only Dylan could use to bring back memories and feelings of times gone by, while looking forward with hope and faith. Dylan then picked up the harmonica for one last solo to end the show. Finally, Bob Dylan and band came out from behind their instruments to wave good bye to the night and a standing ovation.
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