The amazing acoustic confines of New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark played host to the first of two sold-out shows from the legendary Bob Dylan on Monday night November 20th.
With a setlist focusing heavily on 2020’s Rough and Rowdy Ways, Dylan and his band (Bob Britt – guitar, Tony Garnier – bass, Donnie Herron – accordion, violin, electric mandolin, pedal steel guitar and lap steel, Doug Lancio – guitar, Jerry Pentecost – drums) consistently shifted tempos and moods, mixing up sounds and arraignments. Playing in front of a no-frills stage set up with sparse lighting and only road cases as a backdrop, the band let the tunes do the talking as they jammed out to start, weaving their way into “Watching the River Flow”.
The classic Blonde on Blonde track “Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)” was up next and the drums of Pentecost and bass of Garnier led collective as the song ebbed and flowed; the newest member of the outfit, Pentecost was dynamite on this night, tying everything together. While the band is important, this is Bob’s show and his 82-year-old vocals were clear and strong while his piano playing was consistently engaging as he confidently moved in, out, and around the sound with dexterity and passion from the start. The pristine acoustics of NJPAC allowed each piano run to be heard clearly as Dylan played lead throughout the hour-and-a-half-long set.
“False Prophet” contained big builds, a rocking guitar solo, and an overall bluesy feel while “My Own Version of You” had a laid-back groove to it. “Black Rider” dragged a touch but “When I Paint My Masterpiece” showcased Herron’s fiddle work and had a tricky stop/start section that was fun all around. “Crossing The Rubicon” worked slowly but inserted a noisy breakdown section which was pleasantly surprising, while both “Key West (Philosopher Pirate)” and “I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You” went on too long with only a few interesting flourishes.
Much more exciting were two highlights from reworked older selections. Tonight’s version of “To Be Alone with You” was a sawdust shuffling, barroom country hoedown that was both relaxed and vibrant while “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” started with Dylan singing solo and playing his baby grand, the band joined in developing a wobbly groove before they exploded into a surf rock inspired jam that cooked.
“Gotta Serve Somebody” deployed restrained riffing, never breaking into the rocker hinted at, while the band’s take on “That Old Black Magic” had a 1930’s upbeat jazz feeling to it which was exciting in retro fashion. After introducing his band, Dylan mentioned it was good to be back in New Jersey, the home of Joe Pesci and Queen Latifah before wrapping up the night with “Goodbye Jimmy Reed” and a waltzing, soulful take on “Every Grain of Sand” which contained his only harmonica work during this solid night of unique music from the illustrious poet laureate of rock and roll.
