Bob Dylan – New Morning

There is supposed to be a version of New Morning without special thanks to Al Kooper. I checked the pictures and all have the credit. Anyone have the copy without the credit?

Bob was to be able to go for great lengths of time without releasing an album, with no word, just rumors that seemed to be forever swirling around in the air, but nothing substantial, no real facts. Then from out of the blue, only four months after his release “Self Portrait” he ushered in “New Morning.”

This was not an easy album to make, Bob burned an awful lot of bridges doing it his way, managing to totally alienating some of his oldest and strongest ers such as Al Kooper, who said that once this release was done he wanted nothing more to do with the man. The album was basically released the way it was laid down, though there were countless overdubs that ended up never being used, just a waste of time and talent.

Bob’s health was not in the greatest shape, his legendary drug use was back full tilt, his head full of more ideas then he could convey to himself, yet alone to his band and the studio technicians. And while there were some marvelous songs to come off of this release, one needs to pause and wonder what this album may have sounded like had he not been so fueled and had listened to, and taken council from those who had been his closest musical ers for so long.

“New Morning” was praised by many in the press as the return of Bob Dylan, based mainly on the quality of his voice, which was much the same as it had been on “John Wesley Harding.” Never the less, the release did not pan out as predicted, but that is not to say that “New Morning” should be avoided ... there were several stand out numbers and two that were extensively covered by other artists, George Harrison being one, with the song, “If Not For You.” George also played guitar on this song, but we didn’t get to hear that version until 1991 and the release of “Bootleg Series, Volume II.”

I believe this was Bob’s eleventh studio release and marked another of the turning points, though a small one, in his career. While most people overlook this album, I think that you will find it more then worth while for your consideration. It is produced well, his voice is strong and denotes a purpose, even if that purpose is not clearly defined. Enjoy it for all it’s worth, you'll find rock, blues, country and some samples of gospel ... anything from Dylan is cause for celebration.

Review by Jenell Kesler