[Harp-L] Bob Dylan - Modern Times (Harp Content)

["Jonathan Metts" <jonathan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dylan's new album, his first since 9/11/2001 (really) is fantastic stuff and 
contains his first studio harmonica playing since 1997's Time Out of Mind 
album, which featured a quiet, distorted harp piece on just one song. 
There's also just one harp song on Modern Times, but it is more prominent 
and melodic.  Towards the end of "Spirit on the Water", Dylan plays straight 
harp in the fashion he has used in concert for the past decade -- clean, 
repetitive single notes mirroring the vocal line.  It's a simple style, but 
it sounds lovely on this song and is quite different from the super-sloppy 
folk style that Dylan was famous for in the 60s.  (Even back then, Dylan 
could play blues styles including train-chugging and named Little Walter as 
one of his influences, but that's for another discussion.)

Even with minimal harp content, Modern Times should be worth a look from the 
many blues fans on this list.  Dylan's recent music is heavily reminiscent 
of 40s and 50s blues and rockabilly styles, including blatant nods to Muddy 
Waters and other blues greats.  But at least consider downloading "Spirit on 
the Water" from iTunes to hear the evolution of Bob's harp playing since the 
slurred style you're probably familiar with.

Jonathan Metts