June 25, 2011
Review by Gerhard Reininger
Prospects were not too good at the beginning of the set in Mainz. Cloudy sky just about to start
raining, Bob nearly 15 minutes late which caused some boos in the crowd, the usual announcement
with this long “poet laureate”-intro spoken without any pronounciation in one long collection of
words….. what would happen during the next two hours? – And then: the band entered the stage,
Bob a little later, one short glance from one to an other, the music began – and within a second all
doubts where blown away!
They started into a well balanced “Rainy day woman”, turned to “Don´t think twice” and came to a
fantastic “Things have changed” with Bob at the mic, harp in one hand and the other hand waving
free. There was no gap between the songs, it took only seconds to change from one to another
and the band took the audience with them on a trip through decades of Dylan songs. Whenever
Bob acted without keybord or guitar, he seemed to turn directly to the front rows in the audience,
addressing them with glances and smiles – but that might only be my view from some rows behind.
All in all a thrilling performance which I am glad to have attended. However, it also was an example
of what I like to call the “Dylan-Tour-Machine”. Perfection in the performance, but also a little bit
cold and calculated. Not a word to the audience (as usual), not even an introduction of the band
members (not ususal), the tour-bus rolling behind the stage while the encore is still being
played – it gave me the feeling, that the performance would have been the same even if there
had not been any listeners. Throw in your bucks and the machine will run. You will get what you
pay for – and nothing else.
PS: there was no single drop of rain during the set. Even the clouds listened to the music….
Gerhard Reininger
Comments by Bas Bos
Bob and his band painted a Masterpiece last night, it was 'Things Have Changed'
this time. Ears fell off, jaws dropped, breath stopped. Afterwards Jan, Ton,
Klaas and me drove a few hours to get home (from Mainz to Steensel and Hapert in
Holland). I went straight to bed, got up in the morning, had a little breakfast,
went to the forrest and ran for about thirty minutes, trying to get my feet back
on the ground! Still in awe, things have changed since yesterday in Mainz. You
had to be there!
Go see Bob and his band, enjoy!
Bas
Comments by Francesca Chiarelli
Super!! My Dylan concert #22, was beyond my expectings.
"Things have changed" really brilliant! The best one for me.
Bob have a small funny beard, but always well looking.
Many songs with guitar or standing. Weather not raining, fortunatly.
Many people also in the park outside, with picnic and families.
He forgot to present his band. Maybe the emotion?
He looked in a very good mood. I hope it's true.
Thanks Bob! May you stay forever young!
Fran
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