Saturday, October 23, 2010

National Treasure

Bob Dylan is one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, musically and culturally. Dylan was included in the Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century where he was called "master poet, caustic social critic and intrepid, guiding spirit of the counterculture generation. Howard Sounes, biographer of Bob Dylan, placed him among the most exalted company when he said, "There are giant figures in art who are sublimely good—Mozart, Picasso, Frank Lloyd Wright, Shakespeare, Dickens. Dylan ranks alongside these artists."
I know two people who have seen Dylan in concert within the past few weeks.  I saw him in Boston circa 1975 as part of his "Rolling Thunder Review" tour.  At the beginning of the second set, just after intermission, Dylan stood behind a full length curtain with Joan Baez.  As the curtain began to rise it revealed the duo singing, "Diamonds and Rust."  Those chills resonate with me to this day as I recall that moment in my life...and his.  Only a year away from 70 he is still touring, a living, breathing, singing, national treasure.

Shadows are falling and I’ve been here all day
It’s too hot to sleep, time is running away
Feel like my soul has turned into steel
I’ve still got the scars that the sun didn’t heal
There’s not even room enough to be anywhere
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

A Legend!!!

Still love " Things Have Changed:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9EKqQWPjyo

Thank -you for this week-end post.....

:)

Anonymous said...

Dylan & Baez never dueted on "Diamonds And Rust", especially in Boston, it was a song Joan wrote about Bob.

oh mercy said...

Actually yes, Joan did write the song about Bob- which doesn't preclude them from singing it together- and yes- they did duet on it during "rolling thunder."

oh mercy said...

PS-
A living treasure indeed.
I do love this song.

Anonymous said...

Being a little older than you and growing up in Woodstock NY, I used to listen to Dylan (and Baez) @ the espresso in town on many occasions. However the best concert I ever heard him give was at the Troy NY Armory in 1965. It was sponsored by Russell Sage College. It was a called a "blanket concert" which meant you sat on a blanket on the Armory floor, and were able to sip wine, or anything else. It was an incredible performance that has remained in the memory bank as one of the top concerts I have ever witnessed.