Bob Dylan: Through the Open Window: Discs Two and Three

Disc 2 contains selections from his first “real” concert, at the Carnegie Chapter Hall, a small venue next to Carnegie Hall. It happened almost exactly 64 years ago and was not a success; there were only about 50 people in the audience. Good thing someone there made a recording! There are also outtakes from his first album, and some songs he played at his friend Bonnie Beecher’s house in Minneapolis. Interesting to hear how his guitar playing has developed! 

Disc 3 has some real highlights. There’s an early version of “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues,” which Dylan was later supposed to sing on the Ed Sullivan Show. At the last minute, the CBS censors told him he’d have to pick another song, and he refused. Dylan never did appear on Sullivan.

Other highlights are some Harry Belafonte and Victoria Spivey songs Bob played harmonica on, and what’s possibly the first-ever public performance of “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Dylan (probably) debuted this song at Gerde’s Folk City on April 16, 1962. Some of the words aren’t quite set and he only has two verses. He was only 21 years old. 

Blowin’ in the Wind, April 16, 1962:

https://youtu.be/khI9XuuBAKQ




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