Live music review: Bob Dylan made his swan song at Bass Hall yesterday

One of the things most folks lose sight of during the frenetic pace of SXSW is Austin still hosts national touring acts coming through town that have nothing to do with the festival apart from a coincidental booking. Such was the case yesterday when legendary songwriter Bob Dylan performed at Bass Hall on the University of Texas campus in support of his 2020 masterpiece, Rough and Rowdy Ways.

Dylan’s band was arranged simply in a line across the Bass Hall stage with the singer at the piano positioned at the center of of the band. He was mostly obscured by the piano which sat with it’s back facing the audience. A simple high curtain lit in monochromatic colors (the default was red) surrounded the band. The group looked more like a jazz combo that might grace the performing arts hall than a rock and roll band.

After the first two songs the band delved into R&RW with the opening track on the record, “I Contain Multitudes.” The song is a frank declaration of Dylan’s state of mind at 80 years-old. The Nobel prize-winning songwriter is the same non-conforming artist he’s always been. Moreover, he’s explored the duality of man’s existence within his own life. It’s a stunning composition. The title comes from a Walt Whitman poem.

You greedy old wolf, I’ll show you my heart
But not all of it, only the hateful part
I’ll sell you down the river, I’ll put a price on your head
What more can I tell you? I sleep with life and death in the same bed

Dylan and The Band’s 1971 song, “When I Paint My Masterpiece” was included in the set list. It was one of the few songs played that originated in what is commonly thought of as Dylan’s golden era of songwriting. If anything, R&RW proved to both Dylan and his fans that his best songwriting days are not behind him. The record may in fact be his swan song.

It’s worth noting for Austin fans of Dylan that longtime touring guitarist, Charlie Sexton who is based in ATX did not play lead this tour. That honor fell to Doug Lancio who adeptly performed the songs.

The highlight of the set for rock n rollers (like us) was “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Lancio and fellow guitarist Bob Britt combined the give the rollicking number extra energy with a rockabilly-type vibe. Drummer Charley Drayton added intensity on the kit, resulting in a performance that improved on the already fantastic album version. With so many subtle songs in the performance, the track stood out, perhaps revealing the real strength of the players behind him.

Dylan rarely spoke to the audience, waiting until late in the set to thank them for coming and even later, introduced his band. He curiously left his spot behind the piano periodically to move right of the piano to standing ovations then would shuffle back to his position behind the keys to play the next song. He never picked up a guitar the entire evening.

Before the sold-out concert ended, another new, rocking track, titled appropriately, “Goodbye Jimmy Reed” was played followed by 1981’s “Every Grain of Sand” to complete the satisfying performance. Even at 80, he’s the real Bob Dylan.

Most fans seemed pleased with the performance last night. If this is the last Dylan show we see, it’s with the kind of satisfaction that is often elusive in the bard’s performances. He offered a rare gift and fans took it.

The Bob Dylan tour is set to run through mid-April. See all the remaining dates here.

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