July 1: Bob Dylan – Wantagh, New York 1988




..the 16th show of 1988, July 1st in the Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, New York. What is striking about this July lst show is the consistent feeling of connectedness between Dylan and the band, song after song, all night. This results in and is expressed in the unusual (for 1988 electric sets) freedom and confidence of the vocals.
~Paul Williams (Bob Dylan: Performing Artist Volume 3: Mind Out Of Time 1986 And Beyond)

Jones Beach Theater
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, New York
1 July 1988

  • Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
  • G. E. Smith (guitar)
  • Kenny Aaronson (bass)
  • Christopher Parker (drums)

  1. Subterranean Homesick Blues
    On july 1st, Dylan and Smith and Aaronson and Parker start off with arguably the best “Subterranean Homesick Blues” of the
    tour.
    ~Paul Williams (Bob Dylan: Performing Artist Volume 3: Mind Out Of Time 1986 And Beyond)

    https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/212658591
  2. Simple Twist Of Fate
  3. Driftin’ Too Far From Shore
  4. Absolutely Sweet Marie
    The fourth song, “Absolutely Sweet Marie,” is another high point. The band truly nails this one from the opening notes, and the singer responds with a vocal performance that actually is comparable to the Blonde on Blonde 0riginal.
    ~Paul Williams (Bob Dylan: Performing Artist Volume 3: Mind Out Of Time 1986 And Beyond)

    https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/212659207
  5. Ballad Of A Thin Man
    The last two songs of the 7/1/88 first electric set are a particularly well-realized “Ballad of a Thin Man” and an equally alive “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” Listen to that man sing “great lawyers and scholars” and “on your sheets”!! lt could only be one singer who’s ever lived. And only at this specific moment in his trajectory. We connoisseurs live for such instants.
    ~Paul Williams (Bob Dylan: Performing Artist Volume 3: Mind Out Of Time 1986 And Beyond)

    https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/212659878
  6. It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
  7. Mama, You Been On My Mind
  8. It Ain’t Me, Babe
  9. The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll
    But then Dylan delivers his finest vocal performance of the night on “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” and the contribution of the guitar or guitars seems quite minimal … that is, to provide accompaniment without getting in the way of the singer’s passion. It sounds as though the fiery vocal just builds on itself, that this particular evening Dylan reconnects with and is genuinely inspired by the song’s rhythmic language..
    ~Paul Williams (Bob Dylan: Performing Artist Volume 3: Mind Out Of Time 1986 And Beyond)
    https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/212664628
  10. Barbara Allen (trad.)
  11. Silvio (Bob Dylan & Robert Hunter)
  12. In The Garden
    https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/212664972
  13. Like A Rolling Stone
  14. Blowin’ In The Wind
  15. Gotta Serve Somebody
  16. Maggie’s Farm

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Egil

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