I travel thousands of miles to see Bob Dylan so that I will not check a setlist from home and say "Damn! I wish I was at that show - it must have been amazing." Last night's concert at the Reunion arena in Dallas was an amazing show! It made the trip worthwhile. Maybe I should skip the Bossier City and Austin shows and go home now... maybe...

Our travelling crew of Bob fans gathered in a motel room a couple of hours before the show. I had been wandering the suburban neighborhood - and secured some fine Mexican beer and good scotch whiskey - so we were ready for a pre-show party.

I was feeling relaxed and happy - I knew the show would have to be better than the 12 song set at the Houston rodeo. My optimism turned out to be well founded. By the time we finished our beer and made our way toward the arena, it was getting close to 8pm - the scheduled start time. Adds a bit of tension to the drive.

But we made it in time. The Reunion Arena looks old fashioned now - there are no expensive corporate boxes - just seats all around. Eben and I (may companion for this weekend's shows) hung out by the soundboard to see if there were any opportunities to get up close. Our seats were in the second section from the front, on the floor, about 28 rows from the stage. The distance did not detract from the show.

I had been expecting "I am the Man Thomas".. but Bob opened with "Duncan and Brady". A good rousing beginning to the show. But next - when Bob started playing the harp intro to "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" I started thinking we were getting a special show.

Bob's voice was good through the next couple of songs - a great "It's alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding". Some rousing applause from some of the lines in that great song. A haunting, emotional harp intro started "Searching For a Soldiers Grave".

So far it was a good concert - good voice from Bob - the band tight - the new drummer was doing a fine job. Enough to make it an above average concert. After "Searching...." Bob picked up the harp to begin another intro. It had a country feel to it. I was amazed to realize I was hearing a song that I have never heard Bob do live, a song that he plays only once a year or so - and has been on my list of 'must-hear' for years - that elusive list of songs that I want to hear Bob do live before he retires.

To hear "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" with a harp intro? Wonderful country twang from Bob - and pure pleasure from me. Bliss....

THe next two songs were from Love and Theft - "Cry Awhile" and "High Water" Great achievements from Bob - but overshadowed by the rare songs on tonight's set list.

Another beautiful harp intro... and .... "Visions Of Johanna"! A big grin on my face as Bob played the beautiful harp piece. And when he started singing the lyrics were clear. Bob delivered the lines in an easy lob over the audience - where their emotional impact exploded like fireworks over us. I can't really describe how beautiful this song sounded - how well Bob performed the lyrics. A great crowd reaction to some of the lines "...howls in the bones of her face..".

What song could Bob possibly do next to top that? How about another great harp intro to a rarely performed song? I heard Bob do "Boots of Spanish Leather" before, in Aberdeen. With the harp, and Bob's skillful, gentle vocals - last night's was a much better version.

What a great audience! Standing ovations for these classic songs. Respectful and listening during the vocals portions. Applause and cheers at all the right times. Does that great performance make for a grateful, happy audience? Or does a respectful, enthusiastic audience push Bob into a great performance? I think there was a little of both at work last night.

The remaining songs of the show were also outstanding versions. No more surprises though. Highlight of the last few songs was the beautiful harp intro to "Blowin' In the Wind". It added spice to a song that I think had gotten quite stale in recent years.

What an amazing show! The trio of rare songs with harp intro "You Ain't Goin'..", "Visions.." and "Boots.." - and the fact that Bob did the best versions I have ever heard made this the best Bob Dylan concert I have attended in my life. It was my 33rd show. Should I stop attending shows - perhaps he can never top this one?

I have 3rd row seats for tonight's show in Bossier City, Louisiana. I will go - I will have fun - I will hear some great music.

Perhaps it won't be as good as last night's Dallas show - but I am sure the digital recorders were out there. Some kind soul will send me a copy. That concert will be a must-have for all of us - we will listen to it for years.

-Martin Abela (on I-20 between Dallas, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Email me with your comments to Martin@AberdeenWatersFlow.com !

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