June 29, 2016
Review by Brian B.
Great show last night in Toledo, OH. All of the items needed for a
perfect concertexperience were aligned – the weather, the sound, the
friendly atmosphere, the historicvenue and of course, the
performance. Dylan has performed at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater three
times and Ibelieve that last night’s performance was the strongest of
the three. Each time he has brought along great openingacts including
Jimmie Vaughn, Leon Russell, and last night, Mavis Staples. HIS BAND.
The band played impeccably well by producing complimentary tones for
eachsong. Donnie Herron’s instruments greatlycontributed to the
band’s sound, most notably on the covers from the GreatAmerican
Songbook. Quite the changeconsidering that during his first tours with
Dylan, Donnie’s instruments wereoften inaudible. THE AUDIENCE. From
where I sat in the forth row, the audiencewas very enthusiastic. Added
fun was hadduring “Early Roman Kings” with about a dozen or so
audience members producinghandkerchiefs and waving them in the
air. Another example came during “Spirit on the Water” when Dylan was
assuredthat “No!” he was not “over the hill” or “past his
prime.” THE PERFORMANCE. One should not to be concerned with lack
ofchanges in the set list from evening to evening. Performers have been
accused of going on“autopilot” or “phoning it in” when set lists
go unchanged. Rest assured, based on the performance yesterdayevening,
this was not the case. Rather, subtleand not-so-subtle differences were
included throughout the set. For example, “Things Have Changed” is
nowplayed more similar to the recorded version. This differs from the
fast shuffle performed in recent years. Other variances included new
musical shiftsin dynamics and interludes in the songs “Long and Wasted
Years” and “Lovesick.” This approach kept the songs fresh for
boththe band and audience and was consistent with Dylan’s practice
ofreinterpreting his material. No one onthe stage appeared to be phoning
it in. DYLAN. I find it difficult to add to the volume of discussion
about Bob Dylanthat is written while on tour. So I’llkeep it short and
simple. For those ofus who have followed his career, it has been a very
rewarding journey. I certainly hope that Dylan continues to producenew
music and perform. I am especiallyappreciative that he has chosen to
introduce us to material that we might havemissed like the “Sinatra”
songs from the Great American Songbook or theplentiful folk covers he has
shared over the years. If the current tour itinerary is anyindication,
he will keep moving forward and I look forward to the ride.
Brian B.
Review by Laurette Maillet
I arrived in Toledo in the afternoon.
Toledo is matching Dayton as an empty and depressing city.
I search a long time for a cup of coffee, even the passersby don’t know
where to guide me.
I finally find a Bigby’s café with WIFI.
I connect to Google map to find the direction to the Zoo Amphitheater.
I decide to take a walk there.
I walk through an area that had been rich and prosper considering the size
of the houses, but it looks now all abandoned and neglected. Half houses
are empty, half inhabited by Latinos families.
I find a small Mexican bakery where I get food and drink.
The walls of empty and abandoned buildings are covered with beautiful
murals.
People here are poor but not desperate.
It takes me one hour and a half to reach the … Zoo. Bobby Dylan playing
in a Zoo!
Tonight a friend will join me for the show, so I have to find 2 tickets,
as good seats as possible.
Luck is with me; a person is selling 2 seats on the floor. There is no
lawn here but a floor area then behind benches on a slop.
The public is average of 50 or 60 years old. The old nostalgic crowd. No
picnic tonight but no Rock and Roll fantasy neither.
Some folks I know are hanging around but they will ignore me, as I will
ignore them. Instead I have a nice talk with a priest from a new Church;
Spirit Truth. I am profoundly agnostic but I don’t mind a spiritual
conversation with a true believer; a good Heart is a good Heart.
Patrick arrives from Pittsburgh shortly after 7 p.m. Mavis is already on,
as the show tonight starts at 7 p.m. Who knows why?
The venue is far away from being full, even the floor seats.
It is still day light when Stu moves on to the stage, strumming his guitar
but no one seems to pay attention. Only when Bob takes the center mike,
there is a reaction from the first rows.
Bob is all in black, wearing the black pants with the straps.
The public will stand up for the few first songs. I am wondering how many
of my neighbors know the songs Bob is doing with professionalism, as if it
is the first time he is performing that setlist.
The first great reaction is of course on “Tangled up in Blue”.
As usual the crowd, in its majority, came to see the Legend.
The young girls next to me are chatting nonstop.
Few of the Fans will realize that Bob is doing a lot better on “How deep
is the Ocean” than yesterday.
I am standing and doing my Karaoke trip.
“The early Roman kings“ are powerful.
I believe there was a music bridge missing on “Beyond here lies
nothing”.
“Scarlet town” was electrified by Charlie.
“Spirit on the water” was as swinging as ever and brought attention to
a young fellow next to me. I gave him the title of the song.
All together that a pleasant show. I was happy to be there with a friend
to share.
And tonight I will have a ride to a home, sweet home.
For me it is time to take a break.
Bobby will go on. So good luck my Dear.
Safe trip!
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