Review by Lynne Robinson
The line snaking around the block of the Fillmore in Denver last night,
proved that Bob's new record (chart topping!) had garnered him not only
accolades, but acolytes; a whole new bunch of fans! In all my years of
seeing Dylan live, I've never seen anything like the crowd last night in
Colorado.
We arrived at the venue just as the doors opened and being the stealth
warriors we are, found our way to the front in no time, with a spot on
the rail, right behind Bob. The security guys started to complain about
tardy Bob around 8.20 when he still had not showed, but we watched as
set lists were removed and replaced and were quite ready for an
unpredictable show by the time the band broke into Absolutely Sweet
Marie - long my personal fav Bob show opener since back in the day when
he'd use it alot. It suits the first slot, and last night's version was
a rolicking carny tune; Bob singing with conviction, "To live outside
the law, you must be honest."
Right away it was clear we were not getting the formula in Denver. Senor
was next - moody and foreboding with impassioned singing from Dylan. His
voice not as smooth as it was back in April when I saw him in
Albuquerque, breaking and croaking here and there, was still commendable
in that he is not slurring words - everything is as CLEAR as can be -
and he's really working with it and hitting some beautiful notes.
Red Sky was nursery rhyme lullabied to us before taking us straight down
the blazing metal highway Honest with Me was a mofo -- I swear Bob has a
metal band ! At times they rip like Zep!
Joey was a surprise and they didn't stop coming. I dunno bout all the
new fans around who were finally silenced from telling their whacked out
Bobtales to oneanother by the Master at the pinnicle of his game but
from my perspective,he is shining right now. I've seen Bob play for
almost thirty years and to watch him at work now is a huge gift. A
diamond as big as a shoe don't even measure up to this man in his full
musicality, taken completely by the music in the MOMENT, crafting
pictures outa thin air - disappearing into the song. There is nothing
left but the song. This is a fantastic band. I think it may well be the
best he's had and they so obviously love playing with him.
The songs kept coming and got better and better. Shooting Star, Wheels
and Masters, all incredible versions! Setlist aside and it was great,
Dylan is still not gonna get pinned down - not by his new fans expecting
to hear new songs and greatest hits, nor by old ones, like me expecting
another, slightly modified version of the night before in San Diego.
Expect nothing and expect to be blown away. It don't get much better
than this out there on the Rock and Roll highway!
We are packing up now, heading back to beautiful Taos. There's snow in
the air, Halloween just around the corner and hot springs to hit along
the way!
Review Randy Dilkes
It is a beautiful evening to be in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado.
For me, waiting in line to get into see Bob Dylan is one of the high times
of life. Tonight’s show is a very rowdy, no seats, pack’em in adventure
with no opening acts. Right to the “bang”. Nag Champa by the bucket load
fills the air. The show is already 20 minutes late and the rowdy
elbow-to-elbow, sold-out crowd just became louder. Lights out. Getting
louder. The big push forward. We’re center stage, 15 feet back, hot and
sweaty, and we’ve got a “fever in our pockets”. Could it be, obviously,
absolutely, Sweet Marie. Fantastic opening number only to be followed by
an equally fantastic Senor. Where are we headin? Stuck Inside of Mobile
Under the Red Sky. Nice thoughts, nice songs. Honest With Me rocks a
little harder every time I hear it. Now it’s time to reach into the bag
and pull out a gem. Out comes Joey all jazzed up and modern. Modern Times
next with Workingmen Blues #2. I really feel this song. Does anyone think
Grammy? I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight gave me visions of a cowboy night in
Colorado. This Wheels On Fire, so is the audience, so is the band. George
Recile is a brilliant drummer and moves the band along with near
perfection. I’ve been a professional drummer for over 40 years and George
knows his drum kit very well. Donnie Herron looked like the student
studying the Master’s every movement. Stu has been shuffled to the back of
the band behind Bob. Denny Freeman with some fiery lead guitar lately and
Tony Garnier like a rock. Oh please, oh great ones is there another gem to
pull out of the bag. How about Shooting Star… tonight. WOW! The new deluxe
CD came with a bonus DVD with videos from four classics, including Things
Have Changed, so every time I hear this I picture Michael Douglas singing
and Bob Dylan driving the car. Check out the Wonderboys. The final songs
of the main set are coming… is there time for another gem, oh please,
please. The words alone in Master’s of War are so strong but to have Bob
Dylan sing them to you makes you think that maybe we can change the world,
once again. The final song of the set was another surprise. Not Summer
Days but a thunderous version of Rollin’ and Tumblin’. Could this be the
new closing number? The band leaves the stage and the heavy heart pounding
crowd surge forward, screaming for more. Encore. The noise is deafening
and the crunch to the stage is intense but worth it. Thunder on the
Mountain keeps the joint jumpin. Bob is laughing and having a fabulous
time tonight. Must be the altitude. Like a Rolling Stone gets everybody
singing and Bob is loving it with big smiles and laughter. He is amused by
us. Bob tells us a story about being a star and going to any restaurant in
town and gets his dinner for free and then something about him managing a
restaurant in Denver. If you heard the story better, please relay it to
us. Band intros and the classic All Along the Watchtower to end the a
spectacular show with a fabulous collection of songs. One of my best shows
in 40 years… Absolutely sweet, Bob. See ya at the next joint.
Randy Dilkes (the Doc)
dilkes0913@msn.com
Review by Jan Angel
Bob, Tony, George, Stu, Denny and Donnie were in impeccable form. This
sold out Denver venue, the Fillmore, is small compared to the Pepsi
Center or Coors Event Center where Bob has also played previous years here
in Colorado. The capacity is only a few thousand people and the sound is
not lost as in those enormous venues. There are seats to the sides but the
majority stand packed in the center ballroom floor. We arrived 3 hours
early and found a good spot by the stage and were fortunate to be able to
see Bob clearly. A couple next to us had waited in front for 10 hours. A
number of people told us they came from other states. The audience
represented all ages with lots of teens rocking all around us who knew
many of the lyrics from Modern Times and other songs.
The sound quality of the band and Bob's vocals, harp and piano were rich,
mounting and driving. The acoustics in this intimate venue were excellent.
The crowd consumed every note, gesture and lyric with immense
satisfaction. Bob was energized and engaged from the start. A night of
sheer delight as Bob and the band seamlessly and perfectly fueled the
crowd's mounting exuberance song after song. Sound and delivery was on the
mark and the interaction between the band members was spontaneous artistry
in the making. We could enjoy this aspect because we were standing up
front. This is a venue that would be perfect for a concert DVD because of
the acoustics and the intimacy between the band and the audience.
The final bow met with an earthshakingly loud and long applause. Bob seems
uncomfortable when he stands out there (at the end) but the crowd was
clearly unwilling to let him go. They embraced him and the band with
thundering heartfelt appreciation. It was moving. People were deeply
stirred; an indescribable moment.
It was natural to wonder, as things quieted down, if the height of this
man's illustrious career, in 2006, is now just beginning? The younger
force of fans introduce a powerful new element that has little care or
attachment to the past.
Many, many thanks to Bob, Tony, George, Stu, Denny, Donnie and the lively,
rocking audience. A terrific event at a superb venue.
Angel
Colorado
Review by John Hopper
The line outside the Denver Fillmore auditorium grew in congruence with
the anticipation for the most intimate venue of this years fall tour.
Before the crowd knew what hit 'em there was only smoke and steam
remaining on the tracks as Bob and his band blew thru the Rocky Mountains.
The band opened with a foggy rendition of Absolutely Sweet Marie followed
by a clarified version of Senor. Already, the nites song selection was
shaping up to set the stage for an epic evening for the band and the
audience. The first 2 songs broke the fog as the band worked through
blocky approaches to the bridges of SIMWMBA. As the evenings set list
jacked up, the band cleverly seduced the crowd with a silky version of
Under the Red Sky, followed by a dynamic triad of of set twisters Honest
with Me, Joey and Workingman's Blues. The harp solos, guitar leads and
keyboard rhythms offered the crowd a most crystalline sonic production
rarely seen at a Dylan show. The nicely performed IBYBT and This
Wheel's on Fire set us up for another long desired tune-Shooting Star.
Although its been said and read that this rendition was 'dour' - the West
Elk crowd rejoiced in this all too special opportunity to listen to Bob
give it up for the High Country crowd, making the turn for Things Have
Changed to become the perfect chaser. Yes, we miss the 20+ song sets Bob
put together in recent years, but the warmth and intent appeased the
crowd as the predictable denoument ensued. Thanks again to Bob and the
band for bringing us up when alot of the world is down.
John Hopper
Crested Butte
Review by Pedro
I was almost "caught without a ticket and discovered beneath the
truck." Luckily I emailed Bob on his myspace account and begged for
mercy. Sure enough, I went to Bob's site Tuesday morning and
miraculously there was a ticket made available for a SOLD OUT show.
Simple twist of fate? This was a hot ticket for sure. A week prior I
was looking on Craigslist and people were scalping for anywhere from
$120-200 per ticket.
The crowd was primed in Denver town. The burlesque show was in town and
anticipated with great energy. People were sitting outside the Fillmore
anxiously at 10a.m (as my wife drove by) waiting for their piece of floor
space. People playing cards & doing Tai Chi as I drove by at 2 p.m. The
show was general admission with no opening act, so it was every man/woman
for themselves. I have never seen people lined up around the Fillmore
for a show.
After a few cocktails at Sancho's Broken Arrow with a few old friends we
meandered in shortly after 8:00. We hit the floor running and pissed
people off who'd been waiting for hours to get in. What is the essence
of general admission if you can't stake your claim? The crowd got more
and more dense as we got closer to the stage. We made it maybe half way
up the ball room floor. We smoked some of Mike's very potent herb that
conjured a flashback of Amsterdam. Suddenly paranoia, claustrophobia,
and dehydration kicked in simultaneously. It was too late, we had to
stay put. The band hit the stage late and the Fillmore resonated &
vibrated with joy and anticipation.
Dylan and his band of troubadours came out in full fashion; side men
wearing matching suits. From start to finish the band played each note
polished with full intention and electric flair. Opening with
"Absolutely Sweet Marie" the band was off on a roll. Tony and George
drove the rhythm section like a Caterpillar D8 with a pulsing, driving
upbeat tempo.
Things slowed to a subtle but smoking "Senor" (Tales of Yankee
Power). I couldn't help drawing on memories of Bob's good friend
Jerry and the JGB's rendition of the song. Bob's band injected a
full dose of heavy rock fervor building each chorus. I could hear
gospel back up singers (in my head) repeating "Sen-or" after Bob sang it
in each verse. I would love to hear Bob sing it with Shirley and Gloria
singing backups.
"Stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again" was off the
hook. Bob was on cue for all 9 verses and the boys played it note
for note.
Dylan quipped: "he just smoked my eyeballs and punched my cigarette"
"Under the Red Sky" was a first time for me live. The song moved
along nicely in it's original form.
"Honest with Me" took on a slightly new form but maintained it's
heavy metal drive. People were moving and shaking.
"Joey" was another first for me; A gem reminiscent of Dylan and the
Dead.
"Working Man's Blues" drove the first set. Definitely a smoker.
Denny Freeman drove the song with his Austin Texas twang. This and
"Master's" were my favorite for the set.
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" nice swing feel.
"This Wheel's on Fire" was another first for me. I found myself
trying to decipher whether or not I'd ever heard it before.
"Shooting Star" was as timeless as the heaven it comes from.
"Things Have Changed" drove the crowd to lift it's feet and sway it's
hips side to side. Girls were screaming in my ear.
"Masters of War" was the best and most powerful rendition I have ever
heard Dylan play. Considering this followed "Things Have Changed" Dylan
still does care.
"Rollin' and Tumblin'" a smoker to end the set.
encores:
"Thunder On the Mountain" crashed another wave of intense energy on the
tireless crowd.
"Like a Rolling Stone" brought us all home, to our human existence,
humbled us all like a good revival show.
"All Along The Watchtower" the quintessential, raucous closer.
The whole show I was listening closely to Dylan's keyboard licks.
The sounds were slightly 'new wave' sounding.
I was laughing at his antics. I miss him playing his Fender
stratocaster and harmonizing with Larry Campbell and Charlie Sexton.
Dylan's voice was strong and he clearly articulated each word.
A great show. I believe it was my 9th since I started seeing him in
1999. Each show Bob has continued to forge his path and display his
renewed ambition in his long career.
Pedro
Review by Jack Brockie
Desiring (Bob) Dylan in Denver.
I arrived at the The Fillmore at around 7:25 PM then went in and bought
my items from the merchandise booth then went up to the stage. The
Fillmore reminds of the Big Easy in Spokane, Washington. At around 7:45
the anticipation was growing then people were standing…at 8:00 PM
nothing. Bob's people were still setting up the stage and the set-list was
changed twice. Then they put Bob's lyric notebook by his keyboards.
8:30 rolled around and still nothing. Then someone started talking with
me and asked me to hold his place which I agreed to do then the lights
went dim…and then…"ladies and gentlemen….BOB DYLAN!!!!!!!!!!!!" His
band walked out and Absolutely Sweet Marie started up. Bob looked at
the set-list for awhile and then went to the piano and started to play &
sing. Bob looked tired and bored for the first 2 songs and fumbled some
lines/lyrics. Senor started and he went back to the corner and talked for
awhile and looked at the papers then went back and started to play and
sing. I was happy he played Senor as I have not seen it live before. Then
Stuck Inside of Mobile…amazing. I like the organ setting. Under the Red
Sky I recognized right away and I was glad he played this song as it is
one of my favorites as well.
When Honest With Me was played Bob loosened up and really got into it.
When he started playing Joey the man who had talked with me earlier
clapped hard and said "I've never seen him do this!" Bob was ON for
Joey. This one a highlight for me. Great version and Bob was into it.
Workingman's Blues was amazing. Near dead silence for this one as
everyone was taking in the lines. Bob's voice was in top form for this one.
Working Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan's blues.
Then I'll Be Your Baby Tonight was played which was a great version of
the song. Bob & Donnie really got into this one as well. This Wheel's On
Fire was a nice surprise. Bob's voice is really ON and he has gotten better
and better with his wording and phrasing since the 2005 tour which was
amazing as well.
Shooting Star was absolutely superb. This was an excellent song and he
sang this one great as well. When Things Have Changed rolled around
Bob was really having a blast! I liked how the stage was setup with Bob
in the middle and Donnie right beside and behind him as I really like
Donnie as well and I was able to watch them both.
Masters of War was totally out of the blue for me as I was not expecting
it tonight. Amazing rendition and we were having fun with this one.
Then Rollin' and Tumblin' started. I was excited as I was hoping for new
songs. This one was really great. I thought it was a little rushed through
though, but they are still working it out and it was totally amazing.
Modern Times is fantastic. I hope he sings all of the songs at least once
for this tour. The crowd roared for this one.
Then Bob and the boys left for awhile. Someone next to me said "I hope
he plays some older songs" and I thought in my mind 'old songs; we want
the new stuff!'. It was 9:59 PM when he left the stage…then they came
back to the stage and BOOM! BOOM!
Thunder On The Mountain. Amazing!! This was fast as well, but was very
strong and Bob was really into it. I loved this song as well. Then right
after…the band didn't pause…"Once upon a time…" the crowd loved this
one as well. Then Bob introduced the Band and mentioned all the good
restaurants in Denver which was great. Then All Along The Watchtower!
Great version.
I was hoping for Nettie Moore, but not tonight which was alright. This
concert was amazing.
Bob was in black with his cowboy hat and he had 2 diamond rings one.
One on his right hand and one on his left. It took awhile for him to warm
up, but when he did he looked like he was having fun. He exchanged nods
of approvement and smiles to Donnie a lot as well as Tony and George.
Great concert. 2 Desire songs; 2 of my favorites and of course the MODERN
TIMES songs.
The band sounded great to me. Denny took his solos. I do not mind the
band. I like this band a lot. They have improved from last years tours as I've
mentioned, but improved is not the word for it; they have gotten Better.
I miss the background vocals on some songs, but Bob is my favorite and he
is who I pay attention to.
Good Night!!:)
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