Blood in the Tracks: The Minnesota Musicians behind Dylan's Masterpiece

Bob Dylan recorded "Blood on the Tracks" in 1974, but something about the original recording led him to re-record five songs in his native Minnesota. Six Minnesota musicians participated in the two-night recording session at Sound 80, but their names were left off the album and their contribution was unacknowledged for more than forty years. This book tells the story of those two nights and the musicians' decades-long fight for recognition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

When Bob Dylan recorded his iconic album "Blood on the Tracks" in New York in September 1974, it was already a remarkable work. However, it wasn't until recently that it has been recognized as one of the ten best albums of all time, according to Rolling Stone. Dylan's meticulousness and perfectionism led him to revisit the original recording, which he felt was not up to his standards. He decided to re-record five songs, including "Idiot Wind" and "Tangled Up in Blue," in his native Minnesota.

Six Minnesota musicians were unexpectedly called upon to participate in this two-night recording session at Sound 80. These musicians brought their unique sound and talents to the album, contributing significantly to its ultimate form and sound. However, their names were left off the album credits, and their contributions were largely forgotten for over forty years.

This book tells the captivating story of those two nights in Minneapolis, introducing the musicians who played a pivotal role. It sheds light on their backgrounds, musical experiences, and the twists of fate that brought them together. The authors, Paul Metsa and Rick Shefchik, conducted in-depth interviews and conducted extensive research to uncover the untold stories of these musicians and their fight for recognition.

Among the musicians featured in the book are Peter Ostroushko, a twenty-one-year-old mandolin virtuoso, Bill Berg and Billy Peterson, the house rhythm section at Sound 80, Gregg Inhofer, a progressive rock keyboardist, Chris Weber, the owner of The Podium guitar shop in Dinkytown, and Kevin Odegard, a singer-songwriter who had parallel careers to Dylan until he was forced to take a job as a railroad brakeman to make ends meet.

Through their in-depth interviews and meticulous research, Metsa and Shefchik trace the paths that led these musicians to participate in the "Blood on the Tracks" recording session and then set them on different paths in its wake. They explore the musical influences that shaped their styles, the challenges they faced in their careers, and the personal struggles they endured.

The book also delves into the historical context of the album, including the political and social climate of the time, the influence of Dylan's personal life, and the creative process that went into its production. It sheds light on the challenges faced by the musicians, such as financial struggles, lack of recognition, and the struggles of sustaining a career in the music industry.

"Blood on the Tracks" is a testament to the power of music and the enduring legacy of the Minnesota musicians who contributed to its creation. This book serves as a tribute to their talent, dedication, and perseverance, and it highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of all musicians, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In conclusion, "Blood on the Tracks: The Story of the Minneapolis Musicians Who Unexpectedly Summoned to Re-Record Half of the Songs on Bob Dylan's Most Acclaimed Album" is a captivating and informative book that sheds light on the untold stories of the musicians who played a pivotal role album. Through in-depth interviews and meticulous research, Metsa and Shefchik have brought these musicians to life and revealed the struggles and triumphs they faced in their careers. This book is a must-read for music enthusiasts, fans of Bob Dylan, and anyone interested in the history of music and the creative process.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517914271