Bob Dylan/Osaka,Japan 3.6.2001

Looking at their last visit to Japan in 2014 and this stage, I think what I thought was, “I wish they could do a few more of the classic numbers from the past…” Indeed, since 2013, Dylan has not only fixed the set list, but also stopped featuring a number of classic numbers from the 1960s and 70s. As evidenced by this performance in Japan, Dylan can happily sing Sinatra covers like a singer, so it can’t be helped that he doesn’t try to play the guitar anymore. But where have all those famous songs gone? Certainly, the magnificent stage featuring recent works and Sinatra numbers is also wonderful. Still, several times a year, we suddenly have the opportunity to perform a collection of past numbers at festivals in Europe. This situation would have been unthinkable 15 years ago. Yes, this time another Dylan release is from the performance in Japan in 2001! Bob Dylan’s performance in Japan in 2001 reflects the trend at the time and Dylan’s popularity, and very few press CD items have been released. “2001: A FORUM ODYSSEY” from our store has made a difference after 10 years. Even at that time, items were not released, and the limited release of the stage at Tokyo Forum, which was the best performance of the first half of the tour, attracted a great response from enthusiasts all over the world. In addition to that, as a result, this is the last performance in Japan where Dylan played the guitar, and it will be the same as it is now. In this way, the 2001 performance in Japan has been well-received since then, but as a result of Dylan’s current sound preferences, the sound and performance content of the performance in Japan at this time are being reconsidered. Among them, the pinnacle of the tour, literally the best show, was the Osaka Employees’ Pension on March 6th. The forum live on the 4th was also quite amazing, but this day was the day they climbed to even higher heights. Of course, there was a gorgeous set list that would be envied by enthusiasts all over the world, but above all, it was on this day that Dylan, who was in great condition, showed off his best performance with the band. It received rave reviews from enthusiasts and specialized magazines at the time, with many calling it the best show. Dylan live shows from 1999 to 2001 were characterized by starting with an acoustic song with a band formation, and traditional numbers such as “Hallelujah, I’m Ready To Go” were mainly in place. is. However, on this day only, another traditional number “Oh Baby It Ain’t No Lie” was played at the opening. This was a song that was often played during the 1997 tour to Japan, so for the Japanese Dylan fanatics who were there that day, it was a moment that felt nostalgic, and at the same time, they were surprised by the song selection. What follows is a dazzling barrage of famous songs from the 60’s. Among them, “Tears Of Rage”, which maniacs dreamed of the day it would be performed on stage in Japan, was the pinnacle of the day, both in terms of the rarity of the song selection and the splendor of the performance, which was reminiscent of The Band’s version. It was. Other ’60s classics like “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” and “Mama, You Been On My Mind” appear in quick succession. In addition, on this tour, “Like A Rolling Stone” was being played as a matter of course every night at the encore, but this can also be said to be a dream-like situation now. Furthermore, the hard-edged rendition of “The Wicked Messenger”, which was included in the album “JOHN WESLEY HARDING”, is a sound that cannot be enjoyed today. Despite being such a perfect show, “OSAKA TAPES” was released at the time on a CD-R and a press edition, but it spoiled the charm of the live performance by using out-of-the-gen sound sources from overseas. only. Considering the release status of the stage that was so highly praised at the time, it’s really sad. However, for this release, the audience recording master that we obtained was a unique sound source that was not even available among Dylan traders, who are active in sound source distribution. Moreover, it will revive the best night of 2001 with stunning sound quality. The CD-Rs released in 2001 had a reputation for reliable high-quality sound and powerful front-row recording-like sound images, but the closeness backfired and Dylan’s voice sometimes sounded like the guitar. There was a tendency to be relegated to performances centered on In that respect, the original sound source this time is in a state of balance with Dylan’s voice on. Despite this, we carefully adjusted the phenomenon peculiar to the 2001 stage, where there was a noticeable difference in volume between acoustic and electric, when making it into a CD. Rather, in this state, I would like to play back that wonderful 2001 Osaka show…With that in mind, I would like to dedicate this CD to all the enthusiasts…And above all, this CD, which was called “The best show in Japan in 2001” Day will be released on a new CD with the highest sound quality after 15 years. There is no doubt that this will be a release that attracts attention from enthusiasts around the world. The performance in Japan in 2001 had too few titles. This is the best title that contains the best performance among them. Please listen carefully to that wonderful performance in Japan along with the Tokyo performance “2001: A FORUM ODYSSEY”. This is the best release, without a doubt, as the title indicates that it is a release that combines the best performance content, set list, and sound quality! Koseinenkin Kaikan, Osaka, Japan 6th March 2001 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (57:27) 1. Introduction 2. Oh Baby It Ain’t No Lie 3. To Ramona 4. It’s Alright, Ma (I’ m Only Bleeding) 5. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues 6. Tears Of Rage 7. Watching The River Flow 8. My Back Pages 9. Mama, You Been On My Mind 10. Tangled Up In Blue Disc 2 (63:14) 1 . Standing In The Doorway 2. The Wicked Messenger 3. Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35 4. Love Sick 5. Like A Rolling Stone 6. If Dogs Run Free 7. All Along The Watchtower 8. Girl From The North Country 9. Highway 61 Revisited 10. Blowin’ In The Wind Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar), Charlie Sexton (guitar), Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar), Tony Garnier (bass), David Kemper (drums) &percussion)