If you and I sounded like that, we’d be heading to Emergency at the local hospital but for the infamous Bob Dylan’s vocals, backed by a 5 piece tight band, somehow it works and works wonderfully. This was my first Bob Show and, after all the negative stories I’d heard from others having seen him in the past, I must admit I was a bit apprehensive to say the least.
Scotiabank Place rocked to the opening set by the Foo Fighters – performing acoustic. I have little knowledge of them other than now having heard their set. I know I’ve heard their tunes ad infinitum on the radio. They provided a tasty, energetic sound that pleased the crowd to a standing ovation by set’s end. Dave Grohl on guitar and vocals, certainly controlled the band and show. His 3 other fulltime band mates, Nate Mendel on bass, Taylor Hawkins on drums, Chris Shiflett on guitar were augmented by an added percussionist, a woman on violin, another rhythm guitarist and one versatile keyboard player who’s understated fills on B3 and other keys added much to their sound quality.
Then came Bob. Compared to the Foo Fighters, the stage looked sparse but the six players’ musicianship quickly filled the hall with a stellar sound mix. Bob played a simple keyboard and the occasional harp. Tony Garnier on bass, George Recile on drums, Stu Kimball – rhythm guitar, Denny Freeman – lead guitar and Donnie Herron on electric mandolin, violin, pedal steel, lap steel wrapped Bob’s unique vocal styling expertly, allowing those always questionably understood vocals to remain up front and, yes, understandable for the most part. I especially enjoyed Herron’s masterfully subtle fills.
Oblivious to the crowd, Bob led them through song after song, with many hits from yesteryear, blended in with new tunes from his recent Modern Times cd. He led off with a nice version of Maggie’s Farm but my favourite was his rendering of Just Like A Woman…. Sultry and powerful. Similar to Willie Nelson’s recent performance, with virtually no engagement with the audience, many hits were done in a different rhythm or style than the original that gave them opportunities to stretch out a bit. Some don’t like it when artists stray from the classic versions but for me, I’m glad to see the musician’s creativity as it gives them opportunity to escape from playing it the same old way they’ve been doing for the past 35+ years. Don’t know when Bob will be around again but I’ve got a wonderful memory.
In fact, Bob’s show capped off one amazing musical weekend. My far better half and I attended the Barrie Folk Society’s – 2nd Annual Roots Music Festival, held at Georgian College on Saturday. Held in their Gryphon Theatre and Last Class Pub, workshops were held in both locations from noon to 5:30pm with a break for supper and then sets were performed in the soft seat, comfortable theatre by the featured artists. It was like old home week for Sue and I as we walked into the first workshop to find John Wort Hannam hosting. He’d played in our livingroom last Saturday and sitting beside him were The Law’s who’d played there in September. They were sharing the stage with legendary Connie Kaldor. Next workshop was with Katherine Wheatley who’s due to play November 25th at Music on McLean so you can see what I mean. We were honoured to also hear Roman Riccio, Jory Nash, Gopher Baroque, Lennie Gallant, Ian Tamblyn and the final act Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. A 20 year old lad from Windsor was a real hit by the name of Pat Robitaille. His strong silky voice, insightful lyrics and smooth stage presence understandably won him an opening set with the feature performers that evening.
I’m seriously considering organizing a bus to next year’s event as it’s a real treat to be able to hear that much quality music in a warm dry place for nominal cost, put on by a well organized group. Artistic Director - Arnie Ivsins and the Barrie Folk Society are to be commended. Anyone interested in possibly joining our Road Tour next fall, please contact me so we can put together some details.
Locally, we’re looking at a busy weekend coming up for music. MERA is presenting two time Juno Award Winner - David Francey at PDCI on Friday November 24th with tix available at Shadowfax.. Seven time CCMA country picker of the year winner Wendell Ferguson and the wonderful Katherine Wheatley grace the Music on McLean stage on Saturday November 25th for what will be a memorable show. Reservations can be made by calling 267-7902. Fiddle lovers, by the way shouldn’t miss Oliver Schroer’s show at the Studio Theatre on Friday Nov 17th. Tix at Shadowfax.
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