GiGinJapan Artwork of Japanese CDs (mostly) Bob Dylan / Osaka 2023 / 6CDR / Uxbridge
Festival Hall, Osaka, Japan 6th, 7th & 8th April 2023
Play sample :
Bob Dylan’s performance in Japan in April, which was a storm of acclaim. “TOKYO 2023 1ST NIGHT” and “TOKYO 2023 3RD NIGHT” have already been released from UXBRIDGE, and the limited press CD “TOKYO 2023 4TH NIGHT” has already been released, but they were all limited to the Tokyo schedule.
It goes without saying that enthusiasts have been asking, “Can’t you give us the schedule for Osaka?” Also, immediately after the end of the tour, the sound source did not circulate unexpectedly, which may have also become a factor that made the appearance of the Osaka schedule crave.
Fortunately, all performances have now been distributed, but in particular, among the Osaka performances that can be heard on YouTube, there is an audience recording that seems to have used a microphone that is not very high quality, and the sound image is far away. There was also a thing that the sound of the bass drum echoed.
Therefore, this week we will release the Osaka schedule in a complete set with the sound source released by the overseas group who bravely made their way to Japan after the tour.
The source of this set is the master who created the finest sound sources that became the basis for the masterpieces such as UXBRIDGE “SPOKANE 2022” and “KENNEWICK 2022” from last year’s tour. Since such an overseas taper has come to Japan, the quality is guaranteed.
In fact, the sound quality is excellent on any day, but the closeness of the sound image on the first day is at a level that would not be surprising if it was completely pressed. In the first place, it is not only the first day of the performance in Japan, but also the beginning of the live in 2023, and this perfection even though it is the first stage to face the band with the new drummer Jerry Pentecost.
In addition, “Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)” started with an intro faithful to the original song only on this day, which resulted in a valuable version. In any case, in Dylan’s live, which tends to be ridiculed as “not keeping the prototype”, this straightforward arrangement of only the first day was valuable.
On the second day, the sound of the bass drum is a little strong, but it was recorded using a high-quality microphone. As expected.
Also, not only was the introduction of the members performed in front of “Gotta Serve Somebody” only on this day, but it was really interesting that Dylan introduced the members while singing half of them. Those who were able to see this unique introduction of members were lucky because it was only for this day.
And on the third day, the sound quality was second only to the first day, and even though it was a three-day performance, Dylan was stunned by the way he sang energetically without showing any fatigue.
However, in the finale “Every Grain of Sand”, Dylan starts playing a harmonica in a different key. Only in the scene that was so exciting, it was replaced with the correct key immediately, but Dylan blowing with full force from there was amazing. The performance that is reminiscent of the studio version of the same song is suitable for the finale of the three days in Osaka.
This time’s performance in Japan tends to attract attention after the Tokyo performance, where new repertoires have appeared, but in fact, listening to this set, it is clear that there were clear differences and things to listen to in Osaka. Still, a great set that the recording quality of all performances is outstanding!
Uxbridge 1914
