Often, when people think of Bob Dylan, what comes to mind is the image of the lone troubadour playing his guitar in the spotlight - but in reality, an integral part of Bob Dylan’s art is his shifting sound, which he in no small part owes to the many excellent bands that have accompanied him through the decades. Each of them would be worth their own episode, but this week Laura and Robert are zeroing in on the singers whose harmonies have allowed Dylan to explore and expand his own vocal abilities. From The Band to the Rolling Thunder Revue, to Dylan’s gospel backing choir, to the Never Ending Tour: we’re talking Dylan’s Background Vocals!
Here’s a link to Ray Padgett’s excellent Substack, “Flagging Down The Double E” where you can find his interviews with Alan Pasqua and Larry Campbell which I mention in the episode.
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Playlist:
Somebody Touched Me (Live in Portsmouth, UK, 25 September, 2000)
Dear Mrs. Roosevelt - Bob Dylan and the Band (Woody Guthrie Tribute Concert, 20 January, 1968)
Just Like a Woman (Live at Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA, 21 November, 1975 - Evening)
Going, Going, Gone (Live at Budokan)
Ninety Miles An Hour (Down A Dead End Street)
Key West (Philosopher Pirate)