Bob Dylan 990130 in Tampa, Florida
From: "joyherring" (tallyfish@email.msn.com) To: (karlerik@monet.no) Subject: Bob in Tampa and Tallahassee Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 18:47:17 -0500 I have enjoyed reading the set reviews at Expecting Rain for the last three years, and after seeing the Tampa and Tallahassee stops on the current tour, I felt inspired to add my two cents to the fray. TAMPA 1/31/99 The Tampa show was a stately affair. Dylan was not as animated as I have seen him in recent shows, but THAT VOICE. Everything was sung with a clarity and precision that spoke from the heart. Bob's phrasing was impeccable. The flow of the set was magisterial and tended toward mid tempo numbers and ballads, which got the most attention vocally from Bob. Set highlights included "Never Gonna be the Same Again", a performance which he nailed in every way. The phrasing and nuance in Bob's voice was incredible. As great as this number was, it was but the beginning. "Hard Rain", sung in the second slot of the acoustic set, was something else altogether. After the band (Excellent at ever) set the mood, Bob delivered what was the BEST version of this song I have ever heard him do, and I've heard a few. He sang each line as if it were a song in itself. Incredible - "Forever Young" was equally fine. The harmonies by Larry and Bucky on both numbers were great and enhanced the overall performances. "Till I Fell in Love With You" and "Make You Feel My Love" were given solid interpretations. The highlight of the encore was "Love Sick". Dylan gave a definitive performance, and it struck me while listening to it how this song is truly the exposed underbelly of the sentiments expressed in "Shot of Love". "Leopard Skin" was a good encore rocker, a refreshing change from "Rainy Day Women". "Blowin'" ended the proceedings on a meditative note. I was slightly disappointed that there was no "Not Fade Away", as it had been played every other night of the tour to date. But there was Tallahassee yet to come.
Review by Kenny Davis
