Portland, OR (12-Jun-99)

While watching this dvd I kept experiencing mild deja vu,I was sure I'd heard it before. Then the penny dropped, this was the same show I had on audio, and indeed was one of my very favourites. This is a great,great show.

Although there is nothing exceptional in the set-list the performances are ALL excellent. Additionally the croakiness that had plagued Dylan during 1997-98 (see D470.su)is entirely absent, for instance see the version of 'All Along The Watchtower'. In fact I'd go as far as to say, with the possible exception of 1995, this dvd represents some of the finest vocals of the NET.

The recent departure of Bucky Baxter also meant the end of the damn pedal steel on almost every tune, while the addition of Charlie Sexton meant a more straight forward (and preferable to me) rocking sound.Certainly I cannot remember any previous NET tour bands sounding this good. While viewing the dvd I was really surprised to see that it was actually Larry Cambell taking most of the lead guitar duties, and an excellent job he does too,'Love Sick' in particular features a great solo. Even Bob manages a nice riff on the chorus of 'Like A Rolling Stone'.

Highlights include : 'Mr Tambourine Man' - soaring vocals,chiming guitars; 'Not Dark Yet' is given a very assured reading;'The Sound Of Silence' features a great harmonica solo by Bob ( I think this tour, and Paul Simon in general, are unfairly maligned by many Bob fans)and an excellent 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door'.

Picture is fine and steady, with good panning, although not always as close as you would like. The audio is excellent. However if the performance is the ultimate criteria I would unreservedly recommend this. Many thanks to JMAN for sending me this.