Columbia-Legacy

This recently discovered recording of Bob Dylan on opening day at the 1963 Brandeis University Folk Festival is a curious piece of history. Dylan was low on the bill and had finished but not released The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. True to his nature, Dylan performed a seemingly random group of songs. It’s as interesting for what’s not here as for what is. He doesn’t play to promote his forthcoming album, though he does a frightful version of “Masters of War.” “Ballad of Hollis Brown” is stark and powerful. But the emphasis is on the “Talkin’” tunes; “Talkin’ John Birch Society Blues,” “Talkin’ World War III Blues” and “Talkin’ Bear Mountain Massacre Blues.” It’s Dylan as folksinger, doomsayer, comedian – just before he sets the world on fire.