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Rating: It could not possibly be missing in Tzadik's "Traditional Jewish Music" series, an homage to Bob Dylan, probably one of the most prestigious songwriters of such extraction (indeed, the list is long, among Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed, Serge Gainsbourg, Marc Bolan, Burt Bacharach, it seems that the Talmud indeed goes well with songwriting).
Some songs by dear old Bob are revisited in this album in a jazz trio style with keyboards, bass, and percussion, played by Jamie Saft, Greg Cohen, and Ben Perowsky (yes, it's him, the "Jamie Saft Trio," who last year also delivered a masterful interpretation of pieces from the Masada Book 2 in "Astaroth"). The selection favors rather obscure pieces to the non-hardcore fans. Probably the only two somewhat well-known songs are "Dignity" and "Ballad of a Thin Man". This way, an often underestimated aspect of Dylan is reassessed, as many consider him solely a brilliant lyricist. Instead, the melodies often deserve merit on their own, and they lend themselves unexpectedly to leading a second life separate from the song lyrics and used as a basis for improvisation.
An interesting observation from Saft in the liner notes suggests that Dylan can be considered a musician-improviser in all respects due to the great flexibility with which he changes the arrangements of the same song, often showing unexpected facets. More of a jazz than rock approach from this perspective. The two guest vocalists are also amazing, Mike Patton who sings a cavernous "Ballad of a Thin Man", and Antony who almost surprises me with a sort of ragtime blues in "Living the Blues". All other tracks are in instrumental version. Among all the tributes to Dylan that have been released, this is probably one of the most original and unexpected I have come across.
Classy Jazz-Blues regardless.
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