Last night, going to the Avalon, I was in a mood not at all like I would usually be in going to see Dylan; subdued and almost numb of feelings. I'm in that space because a young man I know died last week, and my feelings about that are still quite close to the surface. I went looking for some healing from Bob Dylan.

I came away feeling that the overall mood of the night was, well, angelic! I felt that, as I danced to each song, I could find a light, floating, beautiful space to be in - most songs now full of a long jam or two - just what I needed (what I was looking for?). There's alot of nice rhythm (guitar) work in many of the songs, some great percussion especially notable with the new tunes.

This was the first time I've heard these 4 "Time Out of Mind" songs done live. I really love the new release, and unbelievably, these new songs were already being expanded on, changed rhythmicly sometimes. They sounded even more beautiful live.

We were there just in time, but the show started at least a half hour late. The show was general admission, although some privileged people had roped-off seats in the back section higher off the floor or up in the (also roped-off) balcony. We settled at the divider between the seated area and the floor, in the walkway to the bar. A continuous stream of traffic all night, but plenty of space to dance. I could not really see the band except if I strained my neck to try to see over the crowd, although Larry Campbell I could see clearly (I'm not complaining ;-) ). I could just see the top parts of the bandmembers' bodies - Dylan was wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt and tie. Larry had on a red black-collared jacket (and lots of smiles). Tony and Bucky both wore black hats like tophats, only shorter (like bowlers, only squarer ;-) ). Couldn't see the drummer. Dylan looked pretty relaxed. Never played harmonica all night. This was not a night to watch the musicians, not from where I was; it was a night to throw myself into the music.

Cold Irons Bound - this is my favorite off the new record. It seems to come out of "chaos".. out of the Void.. Each instrument slinking in, and the cymbols tinkling - I love the way it pulls you into it. Then the drums, bang, and they're off! Wonderful jamming in the middle and at the end - this band is jamming more and more, on more and more of the songs - so excellent to dance into that space.

Positively 4th Street - if you didn't listen to the words, it's amazing how absolutely beautiful the melody of this song was last night. Still in that light, floating kind of atmosphere. Really! I didn't listen to the words so much, because I didn't want to go into that headspace, but at the end where he sings the biting words "I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes/ You'd know what a drag it is to see you", I moved so that I could see his face between people's heads in front of me - he was singing the words without any trace of a sneer. Almost a detached resignation. That's how I felt too.

Can't Wait - another new song. Done differently than the record - with a latin rhythm. A definate floating quality to it too. Slow and haunting..

Silvio - I love where this tune is at. It rocks out and then it spaces out wonderfully in the middle and back to the rockin' again.

Cocaine Blues - done acoustic, with Tony on standup bass. Typical old-time blues tune, with some fine pickin' by Dylan - but, again, instead of being pulled down into the blues, I was lifted somehow with the imagery - an other-worldly light feeling I got from the "cocaine runnin' around my brain".

The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll - done as a beautiful waltz. Gentle sounding, his voice actually cradling you as the words portray the disturbing violence - found myself reflecting on the horror I feel over the car crash my daughter's friend was involved in - I found myself frowning. The music has a lilting, lovely guitar line, along with the pedal steel - very beautiful.

Tangled Up In Blue - beautiful, just beautiful. This is some of that "angel stuff" I was talking about. I couldn't see him, but he -must- have been smiling while he was playing the jam at the end - it's that joyful.

Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again - back to electric. I love this song, and it was played last night in a very similar style to the original way it was played on Blonde on Blonde - you know, jingly kinda!
And yet, I can hear Weir's influence in the rhythm guitar work.

White Dove - a familiar tune from Old and in the Way. Haven't heard it in a while - sadness ... the words of the chorus "I live my life in sorrow... my mother and daddy are dead".

'Til I Fell In Love With You - one more of the new tunes. The line that particularly touched me last night "when I'm gone, you will remember my name". Instead of the end of a relationship, this song was about death to me last night.

Four encores, starting off with Highway 61 Revisited - ROCKIN'!! love it! I could see Dylan for the beginning of this one - he played and sang with his head doing that quick side-to-side motion. But, then my view was obstructed again, so I enjoyed the dance (a lot!).

Knockin' On Heaven's Door - done acoutically - sad. Had to hug Guntis and be held a bit at the end of this one.

Love Sick - a strong bass line line played throughout. I really like this song too. "I'd give anything to be with you."

The band didn't even leave the stage before the last encore.. as usual, Rainy Day Women. Wasn't in the mood for it last night, a throwaway song for me. Still, I did get caught up in it at the end, reacting to the dancing , smiling frenzy around me.

Dylan took some thoughtful bows and looked out meaningfully into the audience before leaving the stage.

Debess

Bringin' it all back HOME.