“Bob” Band Does Singer-Songwriter Justice
By Gordon Durich
Westlake Village, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/25/25 – In the intimate setting of the Blueprint Studios in the village of Westlake, nudging Los Angeles County, a band of seasoned musicians dubbed Dylan’s Door staged a memorable get-together.
“We were going to call ourselves the “Complete Unknowns” kidded drummer-extraordinaire Ann Vannoy, in deference to the Dylan film released earlier this year.
Dale Nickey, leader of the multi-talented performers led us through a collection of classic hits and deep cuts.
Set list highlights? A gutsy cover of the bittersweet 1965 “Like A Rolling Stone” said to be about Edie Sedgwick- Warhol protégé and the artist- and Dylan darling; the raunchy “Things Have Changed” and raw “Gotta Serve Somebody” (a personal fave and personal belief) and “Positively 4th. Street.”
Brilliant vocal and musical re-exploration of these and other songs by Nickey and confreres.
Equally impressive were the musical artistry of Lindsay Vannoy (Ann’s hubby) on keyboards (known for his work with Elton John and many others including Billy Joel); Eric Dosch on bass and vocals and a guest percussionist.
Not only did “Parallel Parker”, vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player celebrate his birthday after the show (thanks to Dale’s wife Renee), Dylan’s Door even re-acquainted us with a rousing cover of “Werewolves of London,” a Warren Zevon masterpiece. Acoustic songs played by Dale were another highlight. The band’s bluegrass number, with Ann switching from drums to strings. Interestingly, she also serves with another group The Grateful Dames.
Dylan through the decades, told in music and words by Dylan’s Door with completing covers by other greats include Cale, made it a night that will never be a complete unknown.
Dale also writes for The Hollywood Times and The Muse Patrol – check it out online.
