Sep 17, 2021 special episode of Connections on WPKN with Eric Cocks. It’s spontaneous! It’s non-linear!! Featuring a deep exploration of the new 5 cd Bob Dylan Springtime In New York, Bootleg Series, Vol. 16 box set covering demos, rehearsals, alternate versions and live performances from 1980 to 1985, along with newly released outtakes and alternate versions from The Beatles upcoming Let It Be 5 cd box set, plus new and vintage music. 

Dylan’s creativity during this and other eras is outstanding! Many artists going back into the vaults from several decades ago might come up with an album’s worth of some unreleased tracks, combined with filler. Dylan comes up with the equivalent of five brilliant albums from several decades ago that were never released, from a time period where some people wrote him off. 

Not only is the songwriting totally there and highly original in these tracks, there are also amazing, spontaneous covers in unexpected arrangements that bring added insight to well known songs, adding another dimension to what we already knew, while possibly inspiring Bob to take what he learned from those songs and write new ones. 

Some of the songs are acoustic, with Bob on guitar, vocals and harmonica. Some are gentle ballads. Some are fiery rock and rollers. Backing musicians include Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr, Sly Dunbar, Don Huffington and others on drums, Fred Tackett, Tim Drummond, Danny Kortchmar, Steve Ripley, Mark Knopfler, Mick Taylor, Mike Campbell, Ron Wood, Stevie Van Zandt and others on guitars, Tim Drummond, Robbie Shakespeare, Howie Epstein and others on bass, Willie Smith, Carl Pickhardt, Benmont Tench, Alan Clark and others on keyboards, and Clyde King, Carolyn Dennis, Gwen Evans, Regina McCrary, Madeline Quebec and others on background vocals. Along with Bob Dylan on guitar, vocals, harmonica and some spectacular piano. 

It’s not possible to cover 5 cds of material in one show. These songs give a good overview of the box set and invite further explorations on future shows. There are some nice surprises along the way. 

Before, during and after the show, I found myself thinking about the brilliant author Paul S. Williams, founder of Crawdaddy Magazine and a friend of Bob's. For many decades, Paul’s writings and insights allowed me to listen to Bob in a way that made it possible for me to have my own experience. A chance to feel whatever I feel about any aspect of his work. 

Thanks, Paul! 

Thanks, Bob!! 

Also in the show: 

Several newly released songs from the upcoming Beatles box set, a brief tribute to David Bowie and Marc Bolan courtesy of their friend and producer Tony Visconti, along with The Yardbirds. 

Plus new music by Bruce Sudano, Maria Taylor, Lana Del Rey, The Squeaky Chairs, Mortimer Snyrd & The Ventriloquists and whatever happened in the moment. 

Sometimes the connections only become apparent later… even to me! 

Thanks for tuning in!! 

It’s more fun than the news!!! 

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