As a recording of Patti Page’s beautiful Tennessee Waltz concluded, Charlie Daniels and his band took the stage at the Theatre at Westbury on September 13th. Daniels now calls Mount Joliet, Tennessee his home. Charlie Daniels came to town fresh on the heels of releasing his new album, Off the Grid: Doin’ It Dylan. Daniels played electric bass on three classic Dylan albums between 1969 and 1970; Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait, and New Morning. As newer country artists go far more mainstream in production and stage gimmickry, Daniels went acoustic with his latest studio release. While one may wonder if current acts that seem so important in the moment will be remembered in five years, Charlie Daniels has already been playing since President Eisenhower occupied the White House. Longevity inspired by mastery of Charlie’s craft is all the advertising that an audience needs to pitchfork over the price of admission.
Daniels and Company opened with his country-rock classic Southern Boy. Daniel’s showed off his prowess on both guitar and fiddle. The crowd responded with a welcome fit for an honored member of the Grande Ole Opry. The set progressed with Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye, Dylan’s beautiful lovesong Tangled Up in Blue, and Daniels’ radio hit from the 1970’s, The Legend of Wooloey Swamp. Daniels went on to explain that real rednecks are those who burn their necks working under a hot sun, and he moved into (What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks. The crowd thundered their approval, as Daniels playing burned through the song like seasoned wood on the fire.
Daniels explained that initially he replaced the scheduled guitarist at his first Dylan session. As Daniels completed the assignment, he was set to leave the studio. Dylan asked prodicer Bob Johnston “Where is he going?”; Dylan then said he wanted Daniels to play on the entire album. The story was told this night with a humble pride, and Daniels called it the “greatest moment” in his career. Daniels credits Dylan prodicer Bob Johnston with helping to develop his own songwriting skills, and the new Dylan themed release does far more than echo the original numbers. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight was a choice jewel fit to honor a king in both tonight’s set, and on the new recording.
The band was offered a chance to solo during their number, Black Ice. The 77 year old Daniels was given a respite, as the band showed off impressive skill sets during the lengthy instrumental. The set also included The Pledge of Allegiance, In America, the gospel classic How Great Thou Art, rounding out with The South’s Gonna Do It Again, and Charlie’s signature tune, The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Daniels expressed heartfelt admiration for the troops that have served America selflessly over her history. In a moving anecdote, the singer recounted how German U-boats were off the North Carolina shores as he grew up during World War II. They sought to sink American supply vessels, and this made the reality of war hit home for the singer. From this experience, he has come to love those who serve their country, and he certainly drove his passion home on this evening.
The show was opened with a choice set by New Riders of the Purple Sage, followed by Molly Hatchet. The only complaint would be that it would have been appreciated to hear even more from New Riders. Molly Hatchet ripped through their numbers on this evening, and were a tasty appetizer until the hour arrived for Charlie Daniels to greet his faithful following. This year of touring ends for Charlie Daniels on December 14th, in Northridge, California.
Those who appreciate Daniels playing, and Bob Dylan’s songwriting would do well to seek out a copy of Doin’ It Dylan: Dylan Off The Grid. The ten song offering includes worthy renditions of numbers including Gotta Serve Somebody, a sizzling Country Pie, and Quinn The Eskimo. -It is available at amazon.com, and also at the Charlie Daniels website.
Words by Bob Wilson Photographs by Wayne Herrschaft