Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Dylan in Portugal

Last Friday, Bob Dylan was just Dylan. Maybe I am very suspect to talk about him, since I am a big fan of Dylan, but the truth is that this was really a wonderful concert that I will not forget too soon.

After seen him live on three other occasions here in Portugal, this fourth time was a new surprise to me with new revelations of his musical capabilities. He keeps on reinventing the music, without ever losing its personality trait, whether you like it or not.
For example, the reinvention of "Girl From North Country" with a completely different sound very far from the original one, was a surprise to everyone.

Like in 2004 concert that I attended, he was just playing keyboards. No guitar playing by him, but the band was amazing as usual and his presence on stage makes us to forget all our personal wishes. With him, we should be always prepared for surprises because he will do everything he wants not what the public wants. Comparing with 2004, his voice was much better, which makes me very happy.
Very professional (as usual) and with his rigorous behaviour, he seems to be amused with the concert below his white hat and his perfect suit.

Dylan has long realized that the live concerts are unique moments, maybe this is one of the reason that make him travel around the globe on tour for so long in what one day he called "Never Ending Tour". Last Friday, he played in Portugal again, and despite its 67 years he proved that he can still create and recreate music while giving us magical moments.

The video clip below did not have much quality since it was taken with mobile phone in the middle of more than 20000 persons. But it gives you a small idea of the night:



Set-list:
1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
2. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
3. Lonesome Day Blues
4. Things Have Changed
5. Girl Of The North Country
6. Tangled Up In Blue
7. Desolation Row
8. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
9. Spirit On The Water
10. Highway 61 Revisited
11. Ain't Talkin'
12. Summer Days
13. Ballad Of A Thin Man
(encore)
14. Thunder On The Mountain
15. Like A Rolling Stone

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Lord Of The Ages



Music by Magna Carta, one of my favourites bands. After the big success in the 70s, the band continued by the hand and soul of his leader Chris Simpson. Linda joined the band in the 80s giving a new life to the band that is still playing a mix of some old songs with fresh new songs.
If you do not know them, there is still time to discover their magical sound.

By the way: Happy Birthday Chris!