“But I learned t´chose my idols wellT´be my voice and tell my taleAn´help me fight my phantom brawlAn´my first idol was Hank WilliamsFor he sang about the railroad linesAn´the iron bars an´rattlin´wheelsLeft no doubt that they were real´.”(Bob Dylan in Liner notes to “Joan Baez in concert, Part 2”, 1963) “Every time I hear Hank … Continue reading Always A King – Thoughts & Songs Celebrating Hank Williams 100th Birthday, 17th September 2023.
Bob Dylan
“In the end there’s still that song, comes crying like the wind” – Bob Dylan in Barcelona, 23rd of June 2023
It's already a blessing, just to be walking the streets of Barcelona, the streets of Gaudi, Tápies, Miró, Picasso & Dali, art of endless beauty & artistic innovation, to be listening to the ancient footsteps mixed with the percussive rhythm of the loving tongue. It's a blessing, just to be here, again, to see Bob … Continue reading “In the end there’s still that song, comes crying like the wind” – Bob Dylan in Barcelona, 23rd of June 2023
Happy 82nd Birthday, Mister Dylan. 24th of May, 2023.
Just a few days before releasing his 40th studio album, just a few days before starting his next leg of the Rough And Rowdy Ways World Tour, Bob Dylan can celebrate his 82nd birthday, if he got the time. About ninety shows since his last birthday, twenty-five new shows planned for this summer, certainly more … Continue reading Happy 82nd Birthday, Mister Dylan. 24th of May, 2023.
“Songs From Behind The Curtain” – Fragments: Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996 – 1997), Bootleg Series Vol 17, Bob Dylan, 2023
"Some of us turn off the lights and we layUp in the moonlight shooting bySome of us scare ourselves to death in the darkTo be where the angels fly" ("Red River Shore", Bob Dylan) When Bob Dylan's "Time Out of Mind" was released in September 1997, it took most of the world with surprise. February … Continue reading “Songs From Behind The Curtain” – Fragments: Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996 – 1997), Bootleg Series Vol 17, Bob Dylan, 2023
“First Among Equals, Second To None!” – Bob Dylan At London Palladium, 24th of October, 2022
I'm speechless! I just don't know what to say - and I have to say it at once! The show tonight was by far the best of the nine I've seen this fall. It was beautiful beyond words, it was unforgettable and I am flabbergasted & overwhelmed by emotions after a unique concert, and after … Continue reading “First Among Equals, Second To None!” – Bob Dylan At London Palladium, 24th of October, 2022
“The Times We’ve Known” – Bob Dylan at Grand Rex in Paris, 12th of October, 2022
Bob Dylan was a great fan of Charles Aznavour, the French-Armenian larger-than-life character, actor, singer and songwriter, who worked closely with Piaf in the forties & early fifties, before making an amazing solo career for the rest of his life. He made a lasting impression on Dylan, who once named him one out of two … Continue reading “The Times We’ve Known” – Bob Dylan at Grand Rex in Paris, 12th of October, 2022
“Sous le ciel de Paris” – Bob Dylan at Grand Rex, Paris, 11th of October 2022
I cannot speak French. It's sad, but true. I understand a few words, I will utter a plain "Merci" when I'm in a good mood, but still, though French is a beautiful language, it's one that I really don't understand, I need translation. Still, when I was a little boy and for the first time … Continue reading “Sous le ciel de Paris” – Bob Dylan at Grand Rex, Paris, 11th of October 2022
“That Old Black Magic Called Bob”. Bob Dylan in Oslo, 25th of September 2022.
It's unbelievable, it's strange, but true - but there he is once again, reigning supreme in his Shadow Kingdom. He is back on the job, singing his heart out for us all, in Oslo Spektrum, the chosen venue of the night, returning here for the first time after a fabulous show the summer of 2019, … Continue reading “That Old Black Magic Called Bob”. Bob Dylan in Oslo, 25th of September 2022.
“Shedding off one more layer of skin” – The Bootleg Series, Vol 16, 1980-85: Springtime In New York, Bob Dylan, 2021
Where do I start? The news of a new installment of the Bootleg Series is always exciting. The first released songs were mouthwatering, the complete list of songs made us even more interested - and gave rise to more speculation than the first tastings. (My own thoughts at that stage you can find here.) After … Continue reading “Shedding off one more layer of skin” – The Bootleg Series, Vol 16, 1980-85: Springtime In New York, Bob Dylan, 2021
“Wanted Man!” About “The Chameleon Poet: Bob Dylan’s Search For Self” by John Bauldie, 2021
"This is what art is about: an invitation to deduce something from it for yourself. What you find in it is up to you. Dylan puts it in the song for you to find." (John Bauldie, 1980) It was in the Summer of 1985, and my lonely days and years in search of the music … Continue reading “Wanted Man!” About “The Chameleon Poet: Bob Dylan’s Search For Self” by John Bauldie, 2021
Johnny B. 