Customer Reviews

Bob Dylan Performing Artist I: The Early Years 1960-1973

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I read this book a few years ago, when I was starting to get really into Dylan's music, and by the time I finished the book, I had an even deeper appreciation for his music. Williams is better than anyone at describing and conveying Dylan's genius. Almost overflowing with enthusiasm, Williams reviews Dylan's earliest, most celebrated albums and concerts with an emphasis on Dylan's unique delivery of the material, rather than foculsing on his simply his words or politics, as many less perceptive writers tend to do. Reading the book makes you see Dylan not as the "voice of a generation" but more simply and accurately as the generation's most visionary artist and performer.

This is by far the best book / series of books I have ever read on Dylan. The main thesis of the book is that Dylan is more than anything else a performing artist. That is to say that his primary artistic contribution is in creating spontaneous art in the moment whether that is in a studio or on stage in front of a live audience. Within this framework, anyone coming to interpret and enjoy Dylan's work can build their understanding that the work should be judged not so much as great songs, but great performances of songs. Admittedly Dylan (particularly in recent years) is an aquired taste, but once you have that taste his work is infectious and you can't get enough of it. Thus you can appreciate each permutation of a song as a fresh expression of emotions, ideas, and being in the moment. Great stuff!