Bob Dylan: Performing Artist, Vol 1: The Early Years 1960-1973

by Paul Williams

Book Overview

A thought-provoking, in-depth analysis of Dylan's work on the stage and in the studio, this is the first volume of Williams's writings on the music and performances of Bob Dylan. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0711935548
• ISBN13: 9780711935549
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Omnibus Press
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

If you're serious about Dylan, then this is a 'must have'.

Kept chair side to consult as I listen through the immense journey and library of language, thought, dreams and supporting musicians of the song or album. Have all three vol.s: Early, Mid and Later. If you have interest or a need to know, like I need, then Williams lays out generally what you are looking for and information that never even occurred to you. As opposed to Wikipedia (my previous source) where one never knows what one can count on and what is a guess or mistake. Once again: Want to know? Then must have!

The Best Bob Dylan Book

This is by far the best book / series of books I have ever read on Dylan. The main thesis of the book is that Dylan is more than anything else a performing artist. That is to say that his primary artistic contribution is in creating spontaneous art in the moment whether that is in a studio or on stage in front of a live audience. Within this framework, anyone coming to interpret and enjoy Dylan's work can build their understanding that the work should be judged not so much as great songs, but great performances of songs. Admittedly Dylan (particularly in recent years) is an aquired taste, but once you have that taste his work is infectious and you can't get enough of it. Thus you can appreciate each permutation of a song as a fresh expression of emotions, ideas, and being in the moment. Great stuff!

What makes Bob Bob?

I read this book a few years ago, when I was starting to get really into Dylan's music, and by the time I finished the book, I had an even deeper appreciation for his music. Williams is better than anyone at describing and conveying Dylan's genius. Almost overflowing with enthusiasm, Williams reviews Dylan's earliest, most celebrated albums and concerts with an emphasis on Dylan's unique delivery of the material, rather than foculsing on his simply his words or politics, as many less perceptive writers tend to do. Reading the book makes you see Dylan not as the "voice of a generation" but more simply and accurately as the generation's most visionary artist and performer.