Five of Bob Dylan’s most influential sidemen
The times may be a-changin’, but Bob Dylan’s place on the throne of rock and folk remains undisputed. Robert Allen Zimmerman is still regarded as a symbol of counter-culture, a reputation he earned from his days speaking on behalf of a generation reeling from the shockwaves of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. But beyond the politics, the troubadour’s true artistry lies in his ability to hit right at the heart, exploring the poignancy of relationships and the passage of time through his ever-growing catalogue.
Dylan’s achievements, however, didn’t manifest from a simple twist of fate – each hit he created was shaped by a cast of stellar musicians. Here are five of his sidemen who have left their indelible marks on Dylan’s repertoire.
Tony Garnier
Image: Taylor Hill / Getty ImagesA quick study of Dylan’s ongoing collaboration with the Never Ending Tour band points to one constant: Tony Garnier. Joining the band in 1989, the bassist is Dylan’s longest-serving sideman, providing not only the low-end, but guidance in his role as musical director. On top of his gigging duties, Garnier was the designated bass man for Dylan’s 33rd studio album, Together Through Life.
Charlie Sexton
Image: Andy Sheppard / RedfernsAnother standout from the Never Ending Tour troupe is lead guitarist Charlie Sexton. The native Texan is noted for his prolific understanding of instrumentation, epic stage duels with Dylan’s former lap steel player, Larry Palmer, and, of course, those jangly blues riffs that pepper Dylan’s 2001 record, Love And Theft.
Mike Bloomfield
Mike Bloomfield performing with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Image: Ed Perlstein / Redferns / Getty ImagesOn 25 July 1965, Dylan shocked a crowd at the Newport Folk Festival by going full-throttle on the electric guitar. Backing him on that very stage was Chicagoan Mike Bloomfield, who took heed of the charged-up atmosphere and delivered the torched riffs on Maggie’s Farm. The pair would not reunite again until a 1980 performance of Like A Rolling Stone, but Bloomfield’s impression on Dylan was deep enough for the latter to crown Bloomfield as one of best guitarists he has had.
Robbie Robertson
Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson at The Last Waltz concert in 1976. Image: Larry Hulst / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty ImagesThe leader of The Band was pivotal to Dylan’s live electric sound. Robertson is best remembered for dutifully cranking up the volume after Dylan had screamed at him to play louder at the Newport Folk Festival. His guitar talents also emerged in the studio, most prominently on Blonde On Blonde. You’ll hear Robertson’s range of twangy, cutting Tele tones dressing both Visions Of Johana and Obviously Fire Believers.
Mark Knopfler
Legend has it that Dylan recruited the Dire Straits man after he had heard Sultans Of Swing. Knopfler’s nimble touch prominently features on Dylan’s 1989 album Slow Train Coming: you’ll hear his gentle acoustic strums on the ballad Precious Angel alongside the tasteful, restrained electric licks that underpin Slow Train.
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