Tribute to Dylan: Cookin' at the O Kicks Off Duluth Dylan Fest with a Roar

L to R: Gregg Inhofer, Glenn Swanson, Billy Peterson

Saturday night patrons of the Oldenburg House were treated to a very special evening of music by the trio of Gregg Inhofer, Billy Peterson and Glenn Swanson. For those unfamiliar, Inhofer and Peterson were two of six Minnesota musicians who recorded half the songs on Dylan's Blood on the Tracks. There is also a connection between Glenn and Gregg. More than four decades ago the two performed in a band called "This Oneness." This is their first time working together since that time.

Inhofer is an American singer/songwriter whose versatility is impressive, as is his resume. He has played a significant role in the Minneapolis music scene throughout his career and is a member of the Minnesota Rock and Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Billy Peterson has been a staple here at the Oldenburg House over the years with his stand-up bass and lean, dominant presence. Like Glenn and Emily, the hosts who welcome us each month, Billy's warmth is genuine and his skills superb. 

Gregg Inhofer was the featured artist this weekend. Here's an overview of the playlist 

The trio opened with a blazing rendition of "Idiot Wind" from Dylan's Blood on the Tracks [BOTT]. You knew from the opening lines that this evening was going to be special.

Inhofer has recorded two albums of his own songs from which he selected "Small Crowd" as his second number. The message here is that playing music in a more intimate setting is more satisfying that large auditoriums or stadiums because you get to look directly into the faces of those who have drawn near to hear you.

The trio then invited Marlena, a Lakeside sax player, to join them for the Miles Davis classic "Kind of Blue." This was followed by a surprising Hendrix selection, "Manic Depression" from Jimi's first album Are You Experienced? Rich!

Other songs from the first set included, "Have a Little Faith in Me" (John Hiatt), "No Matter What You Want" (Badfinger), "Imagine" (John Lennon), "Feel Your Love (Dylan), "Beyond the Sea" (The Charles Trenet song translated by Jack Lawrence for Bobby Darin), "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" (Sting), and Not Too Late To Turn Back (Eddie Cornelius). Remarks between songs were generally brief, but revealing. We learned about. Inhofer performing with Badfinger, and later Billy Peterson's 25 year run with the Steve Miller Band. Both showed their range of experiences and influences.

After a fine meal and tasty dessert, the second set opened with Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate," which is another personal favorite from BOTT. They followed with "Can't Find My Way Home," the Steve Winwood song that first appeared on Blind Faith and which have been covered by many artists since. "Up on the Tightrope" (Leon Russell) was rolled out next. 

Chef Sapyta passed through brief to see how things were going. He was not our chef tonight because he's been organizing meals for the firefighters who have been busy all week. Three hours of seep a night while assembling contributions from restaurants and stores and preparing it all. The firefighters and officials had never seen anything like it, they said.

Inhofer then dedicated this song for Paul, "If I Wore a Hat I'd Take it Off for You."

You're a Big Girl Now (Dylan) followed, with an anecdote from Kevin Odegard which you can read about in K.O.'s A Simple Twist of Fate or Paul Metsa's Blood in the Tracks.

As the evening leaned into its climax the group delivered Leon Russell's "Lost in a Masquerade" followed by "Piano Man" with Inhofer sharing a story involving Billy Joel when Gregg was playing keyboards on Olivia Newton-John's first U.S. tour. At that time, Billy Joel was just a warmup act.

The last two tracks performed were "Tangled Up In Blue," the opening cut from Blood on the Tracks, and for an encore "Like a Rolling Stone," a potent exclamation point for the entire evening.

Tuesday evening Inhofer will be joining Paul Metsa and Sonny Earl at the newly renovated Alhambra Theater which celebrated its Grand Opening this weekend. Across the street from Zenith Books and Wussow's, adjacent to the West Theatre on Central Avenue.

Related Links
10 Things You May Not Know About the Oldenburg House in Carlton
Lives Touched and Energized: Dylan, Blood, Tracks, Metsa--Part 3
About Cookin' at the O