Kelseyville, CA -- July 28, 2007

Even though I was in paradise the week before in a state called Colorado, Kelseyville still sustained its beauty despite the subjective scrutiny of my critical eye. In fact, I had been to the Konocti Harbor Resort on July 25, 2003 during my Dylan summer jaunt that started in Lake Tahoe and ended in Costa Mesa. Four years and three days later, on July 28, 2007, I was going back to see Bob again at this Lake County resort. I remember in 2003 Bob had said Maria Muldaur was there. I wasn't real impressed with Bob's performance that night, and I never did see Maria. Don't get me wrong. I'm never disappointed when I see Bob and am always grateful just to share the same space with him. Some nights are just better than others. This final night of the 2007 U.S. Summer Tour was one of those better nights. In 2003 I had split a suite at the Konocti Harbor Resort four ways with fan friends on the way down the California coast. Ticket prices and lodging seemed to have doubled since 2003, so this time we stayed in a more reasonable abode called the Creekside Lodge right on the main highway. We arrived with plenty of time to rest for a few hours. Before the barbeque buffet we took the tram to the poolside and the lake, and then checked out all the photographs of performers displayed in the lobby. The buffet was to die for just like the landscape. And if that didn't kill you, the expense of the entire experience coupled with the cholesterol just might, but you only live once: Even though I didn't have my usual rail spot I couldn't complain about my seat. But I inadvertently transposed the seat number with the row number and sat in row 5 instead of row 7. I guess it was a subconscious slip, and in my mind I wanted to be closer. I knew ever since I bought the ticket that my seat was in row 7 but I temporarily forgot. So I was really enjoying "Pillbox Hat" when the rightful ticket holder claimed their seat, and I was genuinely surprised that I didn't belong there. So after interrupting Bob's opener, I went to my proper seat two rows back. I did stand for the entire song, and if that wasn' t enough to get Bob's attention, being relocated certainly did. I usually can't remember what Bob wears from show to show, but I do recall he had on a yellow tie because I was wearing my yellow "Forever Young" tee shirt with the rodeo cowboy and was thinking me and Bob were color coordinated: On to the rest of the show. Rejecting his iconic status as the "spokesman for his generation" Bob proclaims that "It Ain't Me, Babe" but then wants to be our "Baby Tonight." Gee Bob, make up your mind. You're sending us mixed messages. I must admit that I've tired somewhat of "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" over the years, but this new arrangement has revitalized it. I haven't tired of "Workingman's Blues" yet and don't think I ever will. It emanates a simultaneous air of sentimentality and grandeur that only Dylan can achieve in song. Bob goes from ballad to barn burner with "Rollin' and Tumblin,'" and I wish everybody will stand up like me. I look back at my concert companion, Becky, a few rows back, and she's standing, and Kait and Caroline are bouncing back by the bleachers, so I don't feel so alone, but the rest of these people just don't know how to have fun. Eventually a couple of frustrated females continue to tell me to sit down. I tell them this is a rock concert, and you're supposed to stand up but I end up sitting down anyway and just stand momentarily at the beginning and ending of each song. Bob follows with "Boots Of Spanish Leather" and "Lonesome Day Blues," a song that has really come into its own since the spring '06 tour when Bob first started playing the organ. I especially look forward to the line, "I'm going to speak to the crowd." Next, a real treat, "Desolation Row." Bob has thankfully reverted to a previous arrangement. He tried changing the cadence and beat last Fall, and when I saw him in San Diego, it didn't seem to work so well. A crowd favorite, "Highway 61 Revisited," still doesn't raise the deadbeats off their asses. What has become my favorite song, "Spirit On The Water," never disappoints me, and a guy behind me asks me if there was any song I didn't know, as I float back and forth blissfully. I identified "Memphis Blues Again" for him during the intro, and he knows that one. The biggest treat of the night is "Ain't Talkin,'" and Bob nails every word. His concentration is unyielding, and he's determined to deliver. Read my "Modern Times Live" review in the "Fan Club Projects" section for more details. A perfect contrast to the dreadful tone of "Ain't Talkin'" is the celebratory "Summer Days." I'm on my feet as usual, but many of Bob's "fans" aren't familiar enough with the song to join the party. Instead they stand during the more familiar yet downbeat, "Blowin' In The Wind" and remain standing for the rest of the show-finally. A split second before the jaunty rhythm starts and George's cymbals intro ends for "Thunder On The Mountain," I'm already jumping and dancing around as if I can't wait for the fun to begin. It doesn't get any better than this. Many people finally loosened up and went to the rail during "All Along The Watchtower," which those surrounding me probably think is a Jimi Hendrix song that Bob covers. At the end, Bob gave us really big "jazz hands" like the ones Caroline and Kait have chosen for the official fan club logo on the buttons, bumper stickers, and tee shirts. It seems Bob has finally loosened up too and joined the club. Welcome Bob
Review Location: 
Kelseyville, CA
Review Date: 
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Review Author: 
Andy Carroll / Oldest Son Of A Crazy Man