Reviewed by Paul Poulton

Dylan's songs have always covered well, I don't think it's excessive to say, nowhere better than here. The delivery has grit, passion and anointing. In short, it's a joy to behold. I sat enthralled, entertained as my spiritual batteries recharged. The sound bites and interviews are as interesting as the songs, Regina McCrary, who sang backing vocals on 'Slow Train Coming' and 'Saved', tells of the death of her only son before singing a completely absorbing version of "Pressing On". It's heavy duty TV with every second compelling viewing. The Fairfield Four, who Regina's dad used to sing for, are on here too, with an exquisite a cappella version of "Are You Ready", the timing is complicated but grooves effortlessly. The sound quality is good, camera angles plentiful and even though most of the songs were videoed in recording studios it never gets dull. Aaron Neville, now well into his 60s, still has the magic that made him famous; he sings "Saving Grace" with tenderness and commitment. He talks too; it's so interesting to hear these stories and points of view, not only about Dylan but what the lyrics mean to each individual artist. Shirley Caesar attacks "Gotta Serve Somebody" while the muzos thoroughly enjoy themselves; she even introduces the song by quoting the Bible while the groove has already started. Helen Baylor's song "What Can I Do For You" gets a neat and different angle to Bob's original version. She has such a great testimony and sings the hook-line with such passion, while Bob sang it with sensitivity. There's no doubt that Dylan spoke to the world through his songs. God often used Jewish prophets in years gone by, and it seems it's no different today. The jester may have stolen the king's (Elvis) thorny crown as sung about in "American Pie", the jester also took to proclaiming the King who wore the thorny crown. Dylan still sings some of these songs which still speak to this generation. 82 minutes of excellence with options and the added bonus of songs not included on the CD: "Every Grain Of Sand" from 'Shot Of Love', sung on a New York subway station by Arlethia Lindsay while busking; the sound quality isn't great but it's certainly fun to watch. Sound is also slightly adrift in "In The Garden" by the Great Day Chorale which was recorded in a church, but it doesn't seem to matter. There's rare 1980 footage of Bob Dylan performing "When He Returns", but missing from the DVD is Bob Dylan/Mavis Staples duet of "Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking". Interesting talky bits from Jerry Wexler who co-produced 'Slow Train' and 'Saved', equally interesting are musicians Jim Keltner, Spooner Oldham and Fred Tackett who tell stories of what is was like to play the songs in concert with Bob to bemused, and often hostile, Dylan fans. Essential viewing for Dylan fans and gospel enthusiasts.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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