Review by Nick Utphall
From the lobby on in, the Coronado Theater in Rockford is roccoco to the
max (Rock-oco?). So the show was at least gawdy if not so rowdy. Again, it
began with house lights up for two songs. This crowd seemed more ready
after the noodling musician warm-up when Bob walked out in his gray hoodie
(though still with white-striped tux pants). I was grateful for some light
and the size of the theater, as much more was visible than even with
binoculars at the screen for the end of Outlaw Festival at Alpine Valley
last September. The new addition of "To Be Alone With You" was back as the
opener for a second night. I'd say it must be the least Hendrix-y
"Watchtower" in decades. The "I Contain Multitudes" arrangement nearly
made me cry, followed by "False Prophet" that also worked well in its new
arrangement. Same for "Jimmy Reed." As noted, these are more acoustic
sets, with no electric guitars. If nothing else, for me that gave the show
a less Rough and Rowdy feel. The two Rowdiest were the covers, which
interestingly were the biggest applause. Generally, the band really hung
back; "Forgetful Heart" (if I recall) was basically just Anton bass drum
most of the time. The echo on Black Rider is gone this time. For all the
notes at previous shows, I wondered if the mic was a schtick Bob is up to.
He kept playing with them. I was looking at the sound guy who seemed
entirely unconcerned. Sometimes it wouldn't pick him up six inches away
and he kept pulling it closer. Even the non-professional (read: highly
amateur) mics at my church work better than that.
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