(Video and tour dates included) Jakob Dylan, Neko Case, Kelly Hogan and the band Three Legs made their way to Chicago this week touring in support of Dylan’s new album, Women and Country. I suppose I’ve always been a bit fascinated with Dylan simply because of his old man. As an icon of a generation, that’s a tough act to follow — but impossible to ignore. Jakob started out in his own way with the Wallflowers and their pop-infused ballads of the early- and mid-nineties. But, as evidenced with Women and Country and the performance Monday night, Jakob Dylan has grown into another, more appropriate role. He is not a duplicate of his famous father, but a budding folk hero in his own right.

The set was a mix of old and new, and ups and downs. Songs ranged from singing about sweet apple pie to “Evil is Alive and Well” – the latter prompting a woman near the stage to comment, “that song made me sad.” To which Dylan replied, “It makes me sad, too.” It’s impossible to not notice Dylan’s progression as an artist while listening to him perform. Songs like “One Headlight” sound almost juvenile compared to new tracks like “Everybody’s Hurting” and “We Don’t Live Here Anymore.”

One of the main draws for Chicagoans on this evening were Neko Case and Kelly Hogan — both former bartenders at Chicago’s Hideout and favorite adopted daughters of Chicago (pictured, photo by Jason Dilday, www.stillblissphoto.com). And Dylan was keenly aware of this fact, evidenced by a song introduction of “This is going to be great,” met with applause and, after Case handled most of the singing, Dylan commenting, “The poor-kept secret, Ms. Neko Case,” met with more rousing applause. Case is a special talent and a tremendous addition to Dylan’s band.

This new album marks a transition for Jakob Dylan — the music is more focused and serious. Perhaps even a little slow in parts. It’s not for a lack of talent, it’s just a style thing. Case and Hogan add a welcome flavor, however. Without them, this show would have had a much different tone. As it stands, this tour comes highly recommended. Of course, you’ll need to be a fan of this style of music — it’s not for everyone. If you want a preview, stream Women and Country here (you will need a free Lala account.) And as far as Three Legs goes – serious talent all around.

A quick crowd note: There were plenty of boomers here, and even a silver fox or two. I didn’t know Jakob Dylan had that kind of following. It’s interesting, because I’ve seen Bob Dylan and his crowd was younger than this one. Maybe it was the venue.

I will admit that I left this show early. Not because I was bored – because the Blackhawks were wrapping up a playoff series in Nashville. And if there’s anything I love as much as music, it’s playoff hockey. They won. Nice job, boys — bring on the Canucks.

Below is some video of “Three Marenas.” My apologies for the long-distance view and abrupt ending – this was a covert operation that got busted. Below the video are his remaining tour dates.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljqXGAw16xA[/youtube]

Apr 28  2010	7:30P	Fitzgerald Theatre	St. Paul, Minnesota
Apr 28 2010	8:00P	Pabst Theatre	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 12 2010	8:00P	Regency Ballroom	San Francisco, California
May 13 2010	8:00P	The Wiltern	Los Angeles, California
May 15 2010	12:00	The Hangout	Gulf Shores, Alabama
May 17 2010	9:00P	Center Stage	Atlanta, Georgia
May 18 2010	9:00P	Cat’s Cradle	Carrboro, North Carolina
May 19 2010	8:00P	The Grand	Wilmington, Delaware
May 20 2010	7:30P	Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden	Richmond, Virginia
May 21 2010	8:00P	The State Theatre	State College, Pennsylvania

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