Christianity Today: Dylan's Jesus Years
Doc explores his Christian era in late '70s, early '80s.
"I had no idea it was going to be wall-to-wall Jesus!" laughs legendary record producer Jerry Wexler in a new documentary, Inside Bob Dylan's Jesus Years.
Wexler was discussing Slow Train Coming, Dylan's 1979 album that was both revered and reviled. Dylan's conversion to Christianity—and the three evangelically minded albums that followed—shocked the music world so completely that it remains one of the most provocative and disputed periods in the icon's storied history. Last year's artsy biopic I'm Not There glossed over that period, but this film pieces together interviews with Dylan's former pastor, fellow musicians from the Slow Train era, and even some of the music critics who initially derided his "Jesus music." It offers a rare glimpse into an oft-misunderstood era. (Dylan was not interviewed for this film, but archived conversations with him are included.) ...
"I had no idea it was going to be wall-to-wall Jesus!" laughs legendary record producer Jerry Wexler in a new documentary, Inside Bob Dylan's Jesus Years.
Wexler was discussing Slow Train Coming, Dylan's 1979 album that was both revered and reviled. Dylan's conversion to Christianity—and the three evangelically minded albums that followed—shocked the music world so completely that it remains one of the most provocative and disputed periods in the icon's storied history. Last year's artsy biopic I'm Not There glossed over that period, but this film pieces together interviews with Dylan's former pastor, fellow musicians from the Slow Train era, and even some of the music critics who initially derided his "Jesus music." It offers a rare glimpse into an oft-misunderstood era. (Dylan was not interviewed for this film, but archived conversations with him are included.) ...
Dylan addresses his 'Jesus years' in vol. 1 of Chronicles. Having read vol 1 of Chronicles (and anxiously awaiting vol. 2) I do not believe this was just a phase but his faith has matured and is more subtle. My primary introduction to Dylan was Slow Train, when the Associate Pastor of the church were I grew up used it to discuss faith. It was the beginning of a Dylan fan. I grew up on 'da range, as did Dylan and like Dylan, I left never to return. As for his music, there is so much poetry and often he gets quoted in a sermon. Slow Train is still one of my favorite albums of his, it is a wonderfully crafted album.
Posted by: Carla Gentry | Jan 09, 2009 at 01:22 AM
I agree. I think it was more than a phase. I see things reflected in later music. STC is a masterpiece. He may not be the best voice but what a poet.
Posted by: Michael W. Kruse | Jan 09, 2009 at 05:00 AM