Bob Dylan 990201 in Tallahassee, Florida

From: "joyherring" 
To: 
Subject: Bob in Tampa and Tallahassee
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 18:47:17 -0500

I have enjoyed reading the set reviews at Expecting Rain for the last three
years, and after seeing the Tampa and Tallahassee stops on the current tour,
I felt inspired to add my two cents to the fray.

...

TALLAHASSE  2/1/99

The Tallahassee show was much more of a wild ride.  Bob was definitely
in a more animated mood - pigeon toeing and moving about in manner
that was similar to the Atlanta '98 show I saw in November. Bob's
singing was as good as it had been in Tampa though his voice seemed
slightly strained near the end.   The set list was great as well. 
"Million Miles" (Great groove. Perfect for the rainy evening),
"Watching the River Flow" in the third slot, "Blind Willie",
"Desolation Row".  All in all, great stuff.  I love the way Bob is
changing things around a bit with is set lists, though "Silvio" seems
to have reappeared at slot five.  But that was not a problem.

The up tempo numbers seemed better tonight than in Tampa, that is,
Dylan gave more energetic performances.  Whereas in Tampa he has
played "Tangled" then "Forever Young" followed up with "Make You Fell
My Love", which slowed and evened the pace, in Tallahassee he build
"Tangled " to a heat then played it out on harp, and followed with
"Honky Tonk Blues", which set everyone to two stepping.  Not only an
unexpected pleasure, but a great version to boot. Bob, the band, and
the crowd were all getting off on this one.  One of those moments. 
"Can't Wait" followed and was it's usual excellent self.

The "Love Sick" was one of the best I have heard yet.  It really shook
me. The power in Dylan's restrained delivery was perfect.  "Don't
Think Twice" was wonderful in it's plane spoken honesty.  And then we
got "Not Fade Away" .  What fun!  One of the best renditions I
have heard.  Bob and the boys all singing together in unison.  Wow.

Two great shows by a wonderful American artist.  To see him giving so
much of his heart is an inspiration.  Thanks, Bob.