Generations of Dylan listeners have turned to Song & Dance Man to more deeply understand and appreciate the work and the accomplishments of Bob Dylan. The original book was expanded in two subsequent editions until it grew to over 900 pages.

Now re-published in a three volume series, these books are unique in its scope, integrating biographical, literary and musical contexts into a powerful scrutiny of Dylan as songwriter and performer. PRESS RELEASE

Volume 1 – contains the foundational and timeless analysis that made this book a classic – looking at how Dylan’s writing and performance set in the folk and literary traditions and how it compared to other efforts to write rock and pop songs. It deeply inspects and discusses Dylan’s use of language, both his early bursts of complexity and his later move towards simplicity.

Included is a special review of the song ‘Lay Down Your Weary Tune’ which Gray finds particularly effective and impressive, and an over 100-page chapter detailed Dylan’s fascination with and use of the pre-war blues.

Volume 2 – ‘Yonder Comes Sin’ centers on Dylan’s late 1970s move to Born Again Christianity and studies his 1980s albums from Slow Train Coming to Oh Mercy plus special looks at some outtakes from these records such as Groom Still Waiting At The Alter. It also includes a chapter devoted to the celebrated “Infidels” outtake ‘Blind Willie McTell’.

Publication Date: Sept. 30 2023

Volume 3 explores Dylan’s 1990s work, including a defense of “Under The Red Sky”, a history of the folk & blues covers albums, a re-assessment of “Time Out Of Mind” and an overview of Dylan’s artistry.

Publication Date: Oct 30, 2023