“A lot of people don’t know this, but the blues, which is an American music, is not what you think it is. It’s a combination of Arabic violins and Strauss waltzes working it out. But it’s true.” – Bob Dylan

 

After reading provocative excerpts from the 30-minute speech Dylan gave at the MusiCares bash in Los Angeles on Friday night, I was delighted to find the full transcript on the L.A. Times music blog. It’s as fascinating as anything in Dylan’s autobiography (“Chronicles: Volume 1”) and that’s saying a lot. Find it here. Enjoy.

Nothing Dylan said was odder than the above quote, at least to me. I’m going to have to think about it for a long time to understand it, if I ever will. If you care to elucidate, please do. Love to hear your thoughts.

And while I’m at it, let me point out that Dylan’s speech comes on the heels of a lengthy interview in the AARP magazine on the occasion of the release of his new “Shadows in the Night.” Another must-read.