The Bob Band played The Frontier Cafe in Fort Andros Brunswick, Maine, last night. While cover bands and Bob Dylan's music are not my normal musical stomping grounds I did enjoy the gig.
The fact The Frontier Cafe is stocked with proper beer (ie ale) on tap and it has a lovely live venue no doubt helped. It is a fairly small venue, which was amply filled by the audience. With maybe one notable exception, the crowd enjoyed every minute of the more than 90-minute set.
The Bob Band are fronted by Dennis Bailey, with a trio of amazing musicians to add oomph to the music. Bailey has Dylan's voice and mannerisms down pat. The fact the bassist plays a "proper" stand up bass adds to authenticity of the sound. The musicians are veterans of the New England scene and are the types that can play everything and everything while making it look easy.
While not the most rocking gig I have ever attended, the vibe was a great one for a Saturday night in sleepy Brunswick Maine. With this much talent on tap its hard not enjoy yourself fully. I was surprised how much fun it was to see this band.
The band know about 65 of Bob's 500+ songs and do a nice selection of tracks from all his eras. Needless to say tracks like the storming closer "All Along the Watertower" and the sing-along classic "Just like A Woman" were welcomed by the audience.
In short there are a hell of a lot worse ways to spend a Saturday evening having a drink with friends and family. Check out the band's site for their touring schedule. If you are in Northern New England and love the music of Dylan you'll have a great time checking this bunch out.
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