Review provided Jerry Hardiman I suppose I will have to comment on the second show at the Roxy, since it is now Dec. 13 and so far no one has. We arrived for the second night's show to find everyone lined up at one door again, as the night before they used both doors. We were able to find ourselves front row after the shakedown to see if our tickets were counterfeit, a pencil mark proves not. My friend, a relative newcomer to the Dylan experience and myself (a veteran of some 17 shows, in case you're wondering what give's me the right to comment) had spent the day in Atlanta at the High Museum Picasso exhibit. I had to endure the all day commentary stating the 1ST show "sucked" from my friend and while it was rather slow compared to say Tuscaloosa, which I thought was a powerful show even if Dylan was tired, I figure even a bad show is a good show. Oh, well. We stood at the front barricade until almost 8:30 when Dylan and Co. appeared, Dylan in his cowboy hat. I was ready and so were they. A righteous Maggie's Farm opened though I had wished for something different, it was evident we were in for something special, you could feel it. He surprised me as he would all evening with "Lay, Lady" which I had not heard since Birmingham, Al. in 1991. My friend looked over at me and said "I was hopin' he'd play this", sweet redemption for both Dylan and myself. Cold Irons Bound becomes stronger every night, Dylan's phrasing is a complement to the song. I bet cold irons really do bind. Another surprise, "Your'e A Big Girl Now", as I have just recently divorced(too many Dylan shows)-it was appropriate, Dylan was definitely on. I was playing TOOM recently and my 4 year old states matter of factly "Dad, this is gloomy", if he could have heard "Can't Wait" live I'm sure he would be of a different opinion. Larry Campbell is a great technical guitarist and on these new songs he makes them alive. The whole band is just great and getting tighter all the time, yes I miss Winston and John but these guys are right for this time out of mind. Dave Kemperer really added to the show tonite by pounding the drum kit. Next,"Silvio", which I think I have heard seventeen times but it's a crowd pleaser. "Roving Gambler" supplied an opportunity for some very sweet harmonies from the band, I like the song and Dylan's way of keeping these old songs alive. I would be even more surprised later on. He absolutely blew me away with "One Too Many Mornings", it was without a doubt one of the shows highlights. The show began to wain just a bit with none the less a strong performance of "Tangled Up In Blue" it was just not as good as Tuscaloosa even if he was tired, call me spoiled after that. I grew up at the foothills of the Appalachians, so I have seen my share of bluegrass and buckdancing but it didn't prepare me for "White Dove", yes it slowed the pace of the show but it was alright. The techs finally got Tony Garnier's bass on track, he had been communicating all night the fact that he was'nt getting what he wanted but that changed dramatically and the show took a significant upswing with "Till I Fell". Bucky Baxter is a master of the pedal steel guitar, among other instruments, but he is capable of evoking sounds that are ethereal, spooky and it shows on this song. My friend said "He's making it sound like horns". Uh, Ok, Uh,Yeah. A kick into overdrive with Hiway 61, never ceases to amaze me. Well the boys are offstage for a short break and the excitement level at the Roxy rises. I have to say I liked the venue and its atmosphere. Now w'ere back to the same intensity with "Like A Rolling Stone" and everyone just sings along. Dylan has been most gracious through the evening, thanking everyone in the band and the crowd, bowing and smiling. What a guy! He picks up the Gibson acoustic for a great "It Ain't Me, Babe and the last real surprise, I had'nt heard him play it for such a long time it took my breath away. Such a great song and it had held the closing spot for so many shows but I knew not tonight. Bucky on mandolin and Larry on acoustic as well as Tony on acoustic bass make for a what is essentially a four guitar arsenal, too powerful. "Love Sick" sounds "just like the record" my friend screams and I couldn't agree more. A short stroll to the back of the stage for more crowd adulation and then "Rainy Day Women" and I felt like crying because I knew it was over and it was so incredible. Gracious bows from all and a direct thank you from Bucky and Tony whom I had met the night before when they walked through the lobby with Larry. And so it was back into the Atlanta night with new friends and old friends and another shared experience with Bob Dylan. He came with the dust and now he's gone with the wind. Jackaroe and Dougster
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