Bob Dylan has stripped back his on-stage line-up as he opts for just one guitarist for the first show of July. The veteran songwriter, 85, brought in Chicago blues guitarist Joel Paterson after both Bob Britt and Doug Lancio departed the band. Britt confirmed he had quit the tour last month, while Lancio is yet to share his reasons for departing. It means both of Dylan‘s guitarists left the band, with jazz musician Julian Lage drafted in temporarily for some June shows.
Paterson has since been added to the shows and was praised by attendees. Those who saw Dylan and the band in Thackerville, Oklahoma, were equally impressed with the performance. One fan took to the Bob Dylan subreddit with a photo of the band and wrote: “What a show!” Dylan’s setlist included songs from Time Out of Mind, Another Side of Bob Dylan, and Oh Mercy.
A full setlist for Dylan’s show at the WinStar World Casino and Resort can be found below.
- To Be Alone With You
- Man in the Long Black Coat
- It Ain’t Me, Babe
- Tryin’ to Get to Heaven
- False Prophet
- I Can Tell (Bo Diddley cover)
- Black Rider
- Share Your Love With Me (Bobby Bland cover)
- When I Paint My Masterpiece
- I’ll Make It All Up to You (Jerry Lee Lewis cover)
- Crossing the Rubicon
- Soon After Midnight
- Under the Red Sky
- I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
- Goodbye Jimmy Reed
- I Shall Be Released
Dylan has swapped out his show closer occasionally on this tour, opting for either I Shall Be Released or Every Grain of Sand. The setlist above marks the first show of July and the third of new guitarist Paterson.
A profile of Patterson on his website reads: “Originally from Madison, WI, guitar and steel guitar wizard Joel Paterson has been a mainstay of the Chicago roots music scene for over twenty years, playing with many bands and showcasing his unique blend of jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing.
“In addition to solo shows that delve into the history of all-things-guitar, Joel’s current projects include: The Joel Paterson Trio; The Joel Paterson Quartet (seen weekly at the world-famous Green Mill Cocktail Lounge); and The Western Elstons (Chicago honky tonk favorites). He is also known for his instrumental recordings reminiscent of Les Paul and Chet Atkins—Joel’s album, Hi-Fi Christmas Guitar has become a holiday cult classic, even making the Rolling Stone list of top Christmas albums of 2018.
“As a studio musician, Joel can be heard on the recordings of the Cactus Blossoms, JD McPherson, Kelly Hogan, Pokey LaFarge, and Deke Dickerson.” Patterson has six solo albums listed on his Bandcamp website, with covers of The Beatles, a Christmas album, and a collaboration with Annie Dolan listed.
A description of Patterson’s work, listed on his Bandcamp, reads: “Guitar and steel guitar wizard Joel Paterson has been a mainstay of the Chicago roots music scene for over twenty years, playing with many bands and showcasing his unique blend of jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing. In addition to solo shows, his projects include The Joel Paterson Trio; The Western Elstons; The Joel Paterson Quartet (seen weekly at The Green Mill in Chicago).”
Patterson joins the line-up after Britt confirmed he had quit the band in a post to his Facebook page that has since been shared by Dylan fans. The surprise departure comes amid speculation that Doug Lancio has also left the group, replaced by jazz guitarist Julian Lage. Britt, who has been a touring member of Dylan’s band since October 2019, confirmed he had quit the tour on June 28.
He took to Facebook and wrote: “Sayonara Bobby.” When pressed for further detail, he confirmed: “I quit.” Lancio is also believed to have been removed from the tour, though whether he left of his own volition or was fired is yet to be confirmed. Fans have wished both guitarists well, as their roles look set to be filled by jazz guitarist Lage and Patterson.
Britt would later add write: “Apparently there are quite a few threads out there with people speculating about my departure from the Bob tour. I’d like to clear it up. I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private. I will miss my bandmates and crew. I am looking forward to getting back to doing sessions (give me a call) and also finishing up Etta’s gospel record. As far as any touring goes, we will see what the future holds. Meanwhile, I have some flower beds to weed.”
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