That fulsome survey of Macon and its music omitted another of its contributions. As an adolescent, Blind Willie McTell was much helped by attending the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon: an institution that had been there since 1852. While there Willie took part in a Christmas play of Little Red Riding Hood. He was the woodcutter who saved the title character from the wolf. We know this because of the late Sister Fleeta Mitchell, who had played the title role and who I managed to interview in the early C21 about these Macon events from the earliest years of the 1920s, when she had arrived at the Blind School at age 8. [the story is in my book "Hand Me My Travelin' Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie Mctell".]
Enjoyed this review. I was at this show as well, and I'd rate it as one of the best of the 24 Dylan shows I've seen since my first in 1989. (447? WOW!)
So many things made this show special - partly it was, oddly enough, a setlist devoid of anything a casual fan would recognize other than "Watchtower," but that vibrated with understated storytelling genius, lithely supported by a perfectly adroit band. I'd give anything for the Stones, say, to play a show this reliant on recent songs that truly stand up, mixed with older album cuts a casual fan wouldn't know but that deserve to be heard.
It was also the respectful yet eager crowd, as you say, and I do think it was also the city's musical aura - as well as some of the best sound mixing I've heard at a show, even with all his standing/sitting into either of two mics.
That fulsome survey of Macon and its music omitted another of its contributions. As an adolescent, Blind Willie McTell was much helped by attending the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon: an institution that had been there since 1852. While there Willie took part in a Christmas play of Little Red Riding Hood. He was the woodcutter who saved the title character from the wolf. We know this because of the late Sister Fleeta Mitchell, who had played the title role and who I managed to interview in the early C21 about these Macon events from the earliest years of the 1920s, when she had arrived at the Blind School at age 8. [the story is in my book "Hand Me My Travelin' Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie Mctell".]
Beautifully written, thank you.
Enjoyed this review. I was at this show as well, and I'd rate it as one of the best of the 24 Dylan shows I've seen since my first in 1989. (447? WOW!)
So many things made this show special - partly it was, oddly enough, a setlist devoid of anything a casual fan would recognize other than "Watchtower," but that vibrated with understated storytelling genius, lithely supported by a perfectly adroit band. I'd give anything for the Stones, say, to play a show this reliant on recent songs that truly stand up, mixed with older album cuts a casual fan wouldn't know but that deserve to be heard.
It was also the respectful yet eager crowd, as you say, and I do think it was also the city's musical aura - as well as some of the best sound mixing I've heard at a show, even with all his standing/sitting into either of two mics.
Magic.
This is such a beautiful review! It shines with the same quiet grace you observed at the show. Thank you.
AMD-Thanks for the stylish, snark free, article. I'm off to check out your other writing. Ray-bring her back for more BD reviews!
Thanks Anne Margaret and Ray!
Excellent article and review capturing the essence of Macon and the Dylan concert.
447 wow
Brilliant. Thank you.
A lovely snapshot of the tour. Thank you.
Beautiful writing by Anne as always.
Love Anne’s writing. The Little Richard connection to Bob is so important! I’m sure he’s been to that house…