BOB DYLAN : TRYIN' TO GET TO AUCKLAND 2018

 

Disc One (51:39)

  1. Things Have Changed
  2. It Ain't Me, Babe
  3. Highway 61 Revisited
  4. Simple Twist Of Fate
  5. Summer Days
  6. When I Paint My Masterpiece
  7. Honest With Me
  8. Tryin' To Get To Heaven
  9. Make You Feel My Love
  10. Tangled Up In Blue

Disc Two (58:20)

  1. Pay In Blood
  2. Early Roman Kings
  3. Desolation Row
  4. Love Sick
  5. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
  6. Thunder On The Mountain
  7. Soon After Midnight
  8. Gotta Serve Somebody
  9. Blowin' In The Wind
  10. Ballad Of A Thin Man

Label : Stringman Records

Venue : Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand

Recording Date : August 26, 2018

Quality : Audience recording (A+)

Review : Fantastic recording of a solid show at Auckland's Spark Arena, way back in 2018.

Concert review (Ambient Light) : 2018 marks the 40th year since Bob Dylan first played in New Zealand and going by tonight’s performance the man shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Love him or hate him one cannot deny the incredible body of his work, nor the monumental effect he has had on fellow artists and fans alike; Dylan is a Nobel Laureate after all. Well known for his dislike of photographers or big screens at his shows, there was also a strict ‘no cell phone’ policy in place at Spark Arena this evening, and while this fact may have been unbearable to those whose desire to document such events on social media is all consuming it proved to be a well-judged move. For you see, when the house lights dimmed, and the stage came to life it was as if being transported back in time to an early 60’s studio session with Dylan and his band. A half circle stage adorned with floor to ceiling velveteen curtains was framed perfectly with Hollywood 5K studio lights that hung from the ceiling and without a single intrusive light from anywhere in the audience, the shadows drew the room in on itself, making for a feeling of intimacy and warmth. Casually arranged the band stood amongst an assortment of instruments and amplifiers while the front right-hand corner housed the piano where Dylan would reside for most of the evening; to his left a bust of Athena the goddess of reason, wisdom and warfare, a rather appropriate muse for one such as Dylan, and one that has accompanied him for a number of years now. While his five-piece band wore matching grey jackets embossed with glittering designs that twinkled under the soft lighting, Dylan himself opted for one of bone white which was accompanied by a wide legged stance as he kicked off the set with ‘Things have Changed’ from behind the grand piano. Many have already stated it, but Dylan’s voice is indeed sounding better than ever; robust and flavoursome, the gravelly undertones familiar in their uniquely Dylan-esque way, rolled through the arena captivating all in its presence. Moving into ‘It ain’t me babe’ Dylan took a seat, proving that no matter how powerful the work the sands of time eventually take their toll on all; yet despite the fact that visually he all but disappeared behind those ivory keys, his presence never faltered an inch. Well known for never addressing his audiences – at least vocally – Dylan communicated in so many other ways this evening, whether it was the subtle tilt of the head during certain lines, the finger guns that made a brief appearance just above the top of the piano or the very slightest of wry smiles that made a fleeting dash across his pursed lips; Dylan conveyed so very much to those who knew how to listen. His band of course communed with the audience brilliantly, from the stunning work of Donnie Herron on electric mandolin, violin and lap steel through to Tony Garnier on the bass guitar and double bass, the five musicians – which also included Charlie Sexton on lead guitar and Stu Kimball on rhythm – were in fine form this evening; George Receli’s drum solo a definitive highlight. And while Dylan may have relegated himself to the piano nowadays, his prowess with the harp has certainly not wavered, each time eliciting cheers from the audience. While songs such as ‘Make you feel my love’ and ‘Early Roman Kings’ with it’s delicious juxtaposition of dark lyrics against an almost honky-tonk beat were easy standouts, it was ‘Love Sick’ that took the cake; Dylan ambling out to centre stage to strike some poses as he dipped the microphone stand like a lover in a back alley blues bar. Hand on hip, he had more swagger in his back pocket at that moment than most artists half his age. ‘Thunder on the mountain’ a crowd favourite soon gave way to the final song of the set ‘Gotta Serve Somebody’ which in true Dylan style included new verses, demonstrating once again that while Dylan has often stuck to a pre-designed set list over the last few years he certainly ain’t no heritage act here to gift you a night of nostalgic whimsy tied with a neat bow. Instead he challenges, often changing not only the lyrics but the tempo and delivery, which in turn lets the tracks be seen in a completely different light. Returning to stage for a two-song encore, this point was illustrated with ‘Blowin in the Wind’ before Dylan and his band took it home with the brilliant ‘Ballad of a Thin Man’ which saw Dylan once again take centre stage for what almost seemed like a tongue in cheek final rock n roll pose. “Lot of water under the bridge, lot of other stuff too. Don’t get up gentlemen, I’m only passing through…”