CD REVIEW: SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT by Bob Dylan

OVER the years, music legend Bob Dylan has been full of surprises. But to take on songs made famous by Frank Sinatra?

It may be quite a leap for some people because Dylan and Sinatra in the public mind would contrast in almost every respect.

But, rest assured, this album is a remarkable homage to Old Blue Eyes and to some of the American songbook’s greatest offerings.

In his first new album for three years, Dylan will entrance and delight with his take on classics such as Some Enchanted Evening, What’ll I Do and The Night We Called It A Day.

Rather than taking the perhaps expected route of dragging in an orchestra, as Frank would, Dylan has gone simple and straightforward. Songs more usually sung to the accompaniment of many musicians are presented before a pared down musical backing which is basic, delicate and very much in the background.

Which means Dylan’s vocalisation is much emphasised. People who know his distinct singing voice might worry at that but on this recording he is tuneful, precise, approachable and full of emotion. He sells the songs brilliantly.

Dylan is 73 and has been making albums since the Sixties – 36 in all – but I think this will be seen as once of his very best. It will bring in new listeners for him, many of whom will be pleasantly surprised to like a Bob Dylan album, and it will make the world see this gifted, if sometimes wilfully challenging musician in a completely new light.

Dylan has always been able to use song lyrics well, stuffing them full of meaning with his gift for expression, and it is pleasing to hear him using this skill on songs we all thought we knew.

Producer Jack Frost has done a great job in getting Dylan to give his all to these recordings and to encourage him to take the risk of taking on Frank Sinatra in the first place. It could have gone so-so-wrong but it has gone oh-so-right. It is clear that Dylan adores these great songs and wants to represent them with the honour they deserve.

The opening track I’m A Fool To Want You is superb and the quality just goes on from there. Shadows In The Night is seriously that good.