2008 Woodie Awards
Dylan's Spectrum gig a hit
Alex Nassar '09
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Entertainment
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All too often, rock's former legends (if they are still touring) cruise from city to city relying on nothing more than name, an impressive musical resume, and a backup band that does little beyond keeping textbook time. However, Bob Dylan has followed a different path. His most endearing quality has always been his genuine personality. He would rather not perform than do it under false pretenses.
On Saturday, November 18 Dylan and his Band held court at the Wachovia Spectrum. This tour, as opposed to those his fans are used to, booked arenas and other large venues. Many feared that the connection and intimacy that he has been known to exude during his common theatre performances would be lost in these new settings. However, this all comes as part of what seems to be an effort by the "old folkie" to show a younger generation his stuff.
Dylan drew support from younger, "hipper" bands on this latest tour, with The Raconteurs as his openers for its penultimate stop. Kings of Leon and the Foo Fighters were also drafted to perk younger ears on previous dates.
Jack White's newest project, The Raconteurs, opened with an edgy and experimental take on material from their latest album (which has garnered criticism for being too commercial for a former White Stripe), and a uniquely arranged version of "Bang Bang" by Nancy Sinatra. This cover showcased Jack White's enthusiasm, with inspired guitar solos, and passionately eerie vocals. Even the most sellable of his new crop of songs, "Steady as She Goes," was flipped upside-down, and amplified with shredding solos and foggy feedback. Its signature riff was teased to throw the audience, before the drummer brought them back into the realm of the song.
After the Raconteurs had played their peace, and the crowd had been given a few minutes to regain their hearing, Dylan and his five piece band walked nonchalantly onto stage. Contrary to popular belief, Bob Dylan is human, and has regretfully given up playing the guitar for live performances. Arthritis and old age have caught up to the Great, so he has taken to playing the keyboard. Dylan has surrounded himself with a talented group of musicians, but it's important to state that they in no way pad his performances. Instead, each member interacts and enjoys playing with his peers. Bob may as well still be standing in front of Robbie Robertson and The Band (you music heads will get that).
On Saturday, November 18 Dylan and his Band held court at the Wachovia Spectrum. This tour, as opposed to those his fans are used to, booked arenas and other large venues. Many feared that the connection and intimacy that he has been known to exude during his common theatre performances would be lost in these new settings. However, this all comes as part of what seems to be an effort by the "old folkie" to show a younger generation his stuff.
Dylan drew support from younger, "hipper" bands on this latest tour, with The Raconteurs as his openers for its penultimate stop. Kings of Leon and the Foo Fighters were also drafted to perk younger ears on previous dates.
Jack White's newest project, The Raconteurs, opened with an edgy and experimental take on material from their latest album (which has garnered criticism for being too commercial for a former White Stripe), and a uniquely arranged version of "Bang Bang" by Nancy Sinatra. This cover showcased Jack White's enthusiasm, with inspired guitar solos, and passionately eerie vocals. Even the most sellable of his new crop of songs, "Steady as She Goes," was flipped upside-down, and amplified with shredding solos and foggy feedback. Its signature riff was teased to throw the audience, before the drummer brought them back into the realm of the song.
After the Raconteurs had played their peace, and the crowd had been given a few minutes to regain their hearing, Dylan and his five piece band walked nonchalantly onto stage. Contrary to popular belief, Bob Dylan is human, and has regretfully given up playing the guitar for live performances. Arthritis and old age have caught up to the Great, so he has taken to playing the keyboard. Dylan has surrounded himself with a talented group of musicians, but it's important to state that they in no way pad his performances. Instead, each member interacts and enjoys playing with his peers. Bob may as well still be standing in front of Robbie Robertson and The Band (you music heads will get that).
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