The Aaron Copland / Bob Dylan connection


Do I have your attention now?!

I am about 2/5th's the way into an amazing book that anyone with the slightest interest in American art forms should find well worth his or her time. It was written by Sean Wilentz, a Professor of American History at Princeton, and author of a few books on that subject. But the book I'm reading is entitled Bob Dylan In America, and it is, hands down, the best writing on Dylan I have yet to read. And I have read a lot about Dylan!

Wilentz starts the book by laying out the context within which Dylan's work will be examined and discussed, starting with the very American music of Aaron Copland. I guarantee you, you have never before heard what Wilentz has to say about the connection between that composer and Dylan. The next section is about the overlap between the Beat writers and the Folk singers of the late 50's and early 60's, but not without tracing their origins back to the 1930's. The relationship between Dylan and Allen Ginsberg is discussed in great detail, and continues into future chapters. It is fascinating stuff.

Wilentz finally gets to Dylan himself, and provides details on the writing and recording of Bob's first six albums, as well as the live shows coinciding with them, culminating in by far the best examination of his masterpiece, "Blonde On Blonde", I have read. Every song, every recording session, every musician involved (there are some surprises!), all examined with fanatical attention to detail. I thought I already knew a lot about the album, but I learned much more than I already knew. Absolutely fantastic!

I do believe this may be the best book I have ever read on the subject of, not just Dylan, but of any artist. I found it at my Public Library, but I'm going to buy a copy. That I'll want to read it again I have no doubt.


bdp24

Showing 50 responses by jafant

bdp24

Agreed- the Book "Double Life" is excellent. I am ready for the next period 1966- onward. I want to read more about Dylan's motorcycle crash and beyond.

 

Go see "A Complete Unknown". Thank me later.

 

Happy Listening!

bdp24

Happy New Year!

what will be released in the Bootleg Series Vol.19 in 2025?

 

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bdp24

Excellent. Let me know how much you like the 3-LP set.

 

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bdp24

Answer:

Bob Dylan & The Band - 1974 Live Recordings (27 Disc Set) September

 

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bdp24

 

Any early predictions for Bootleg Series Vol. 18 ?

 

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bdp24

 

Bob Dylan- The Complete Budokan 1978 (4-CD or 8 LP) November.

 

Celebrates 45th Anniversary.

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bdp24

 

Planet Waves era or Street Legal is still being requested on the various Dylan forums. As well as early 60's material.

 

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bdp24

 

I will keep you posted as developments occur.  Happy Listening!

bdp24

 

Any predictions for Vol.18 this year? Excitement mounts.

 

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bdp24

 

Nice choice! I own the 5-CD set.  May the "Bootleg" train keep a Rollin'

 

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bdp24

 

Now that Bootleg Series Vol.17 has dropped, any early predictions on Vol. 18 ?

 

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bdp24

 

Thank You for the follow up.  I will add the new Dylan book to my collection.

 

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bdp24

 

Now that BS 17 has been announced and confirmed, do you have a prediction for 

Bootleg Series #18?  Do you have a favorite era from Dylan?

 

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bdp24

 

It is official. Bootleg Series 17 "Fragments: Time out of Mind Sessions" 

5-CD or 4-LP (January 2023).

 

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bdp24

 

The next Bob Dylan Bootleg Series release will take place on Nov 17th.

 

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bdp24

 

It appears that the annual Bob Dylan Bootleg Series #17 is pushed back into January 2023. More to follow.

 

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bdp24

 

Last night 2600 people enjoyed The Prophet, Bob Dylan, in Atlanta GA.

He put on a fine show at 2 hours. His newest band is really tight. I wished that Charlie Sexton was still on-board. Souls from all walks of life paid tribute to our Hero.

 

Happy Listening!

bdp24

 

Outstanding! All of the reviews here (Deep South) have been quite good with Mr. Zimmerman in  fine spirit.  At his age and stage in life, BD, can take any Solo wished.

 

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A current projection for this year's Bootleg Series 18 is from Bob's 1990's catalog.

Stay tuned...

 

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bdp24

 

3 more nights and I have a ticket to see his Bob-ness. He is currently sweeping the Deep and Mid-Southern states.  Agreed, we all have that 1 album that is a Lifer.

 

You have certainly witnessed  some great, historic, shows. It is good to see a return to form "live" music!

 

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bdp24

 

2022, marks the 60th Anniversary of Bob Dylan's 1st LP.

 

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bdp24

 

which era of Dylan will we see in 2022 Bootleg Series?

 

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bdp24

Thank You for the follow up on Dylan.
I miss live Music.

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bdp24

did you purchase Bootleg Vol. 16- Springtime In New York ?
Do you like Bob's early 80's releases?

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bdp24

as Vol. 16 explores Dylan in the early 80's. Vol. 17 is already being discussed as a collection of early 90's material.

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bdp24

Right On! with The Band/The Dead common thread.
Today, Dylan is 80 years old (or young). Celebrate.

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stuartk

I concur, Americana certainly embrace Hippie ethos to my ears.
Nice correlation between The Band and early 70's Dead (American Beauty & Workingman's Dead) are pivotal.

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bdp24

Excellent! Keep me posted should you read about the next Bootleg release.

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bdp24

any prediction for this year's Bob Bootleg Series?
I am looking forward to the new book as well.
bdp24

early predictions or thoughts on the next Bootleg Vol. 16 from Bob and company?

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bdp24

are you up-to-date on this Bootleg Series?
Travelin' Thru: Bootleg Series Vol.15 in November.

Happy Listening!

bdp24

Rolling Thunder Revue 1975 Tour (14 CD) set this Summer.

Still leaves the door open for another Bootleg Series set this Fall.

bdp24

did you take stock of "The Cutting Edge" bootleg set?
If so, was it the 6-CD set or 18-CD set (Big Blue) or Vinyl set?

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Which material will the Bob Dylan bootleg series (Vol. 15) machine bring us in 2019?  Happy Listening!

Thank You-  bdp24


I am looking forward to more BD releases in 2018. 

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Any of you guys tackle that Live Recordings 36- disc set?


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bdp24-
if you really liked the Christian albums (Dylan's 1st trilogy IMO) spring for the super deluxe set. Yes, it is alot of material to digest, very well assembled.
Happy Listening!
bdp24-
have you picked up the new "Trouble No More" bootleg series set?
Happy Listening!