Bob Dylan 2000.03.30 Firenze
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 16:13:49 +0200 From: fciuffi@bicnet.it (Francesco Ciuffi) To: karlerik@monet.no Subject: Ciao, here some links 6 my thoughts about the firenze show Ciao, first of all I'd like to thank you for all the great work you're doin to keep everybody informed about our beloved zimmerman! here's a coupla reviews (in italian) taken from La Repubblica and Il Tirreno Il nuovo Bob Dylan è un "guitar hero" In viaggio con Bob Dylan and here's my personal thoughts about the show (sent to bill's page too) the second I saw in this italian tour, and, in my huble opinion, a better one than the one he performed in Modena last saturday I had already seen Bob in Modena few days ago and I had got some mixed impressions. On the one hand he proved to be in pretty fine form, his voice was fine and as crisp as it can get, but on the other hand there had been some very low points, with a horrible Like a Rolling Stone to top it off. Anyway, due to my working schedule i had to go to Lucca, a city not too far from Florence, and so I said to myself "why not " (are you listening Nick? 2 words, 6 letters!) and I called Irene, a friend of mine, and asked her if she wanted to come with me to the show. We drove down to Florence as fast as we could and when we were about to enter the Palasport I heard the first notes of Duncan & Brady, the same opener he used in Modena. Both versions were really well sung, with tight vocal harmonies and fine ensemble playing. Next was Times Changin, once a favourite of mine, and then the first surprise, Visions of Johanna, in a reworked arrangement that really shines. To Ramona and Tangled were business as usual, (I dont even remember how many times I've heard Tangled) but were really well played. Then, after a nice Baby Blue, on to the electric set. With a solid version of a weak tune, Country Pie. The first notes of It Takes a Lot Laugh, in a slow bluesy mode, brought a huge cheer on everybody's face. A great version, with some nice soloing by Bob & the boys, with a strong vocal delivery. A great addition to my live Dylan experience. I was expecting to hear Can't Wait (in Modena it was simply amazing, the song has really benefited of the new arrangment) but Bob put out of the basket another heavyweight from the old days: Simple Twist of Fate was greeted by the crowd with a huge roar and Drifterâs Escape opened the way to another huge HYW 61. Now, what else can be said about this rollin kickin number? It kicked ass, as usual, and it went even longer than usual! Highway marked the end of the first set, and we were ready for Love Sick to open the second part. The first notes of this new classic brought cheers on Irene's face, and the song was performed with a superb vocal delivery and nice playing, and even Bob's solo was better than usual. Unfortunately, LARS was, once again a complete mess, ehi Bob, what's up with this song? It Aint Me Babe was another great pick, as well as Maggie's Farm. The usual combo Rainy Day-Blowin (I personally refer to this as "throwin-in-the-towel") predictably ended the show and sent a satisfied crowd back home. All in all a good show, with a funny view of Bob shakin his bones on the stage, bendin down on his knees, clearly showinâ that he too was havin some fun. ciao Francesco Ciuffi
