Bob Dylan's performance at Fuji Rock was very well received. We will release the best sound source in the best condition from his first visit to Japan in 1978, which can be said to be the origin. That was the first day in Osaka on February 24th. If you are a Dylan maniac, you may have a pinch just by saying "first day in Osaka". This day was released as the first audience recording item in the history of the first visit to Japan, "FAR EAST TOUR 1978". The sound source recorded there has very good sound quality, and it was a title that was highly praised not only by maniacs in Japan but also by maniacs around the world. However, surprisingly, despite being such an excellent sound source, it has not been reissued since then, and even copies have not been produced, which is a very rare phenomenon for a Japanese performance item that continues to this day. In addition, there was a problem with the format of "FAR EAST TOUR 1978", and in the volume of 3 discs, the last takes from the same taper recorded on February 26th and the third day in Osaka were placed at the end of each disc, and it was compiled with a strange editing sense that made it impossible to hear the show on the 24th through. The final touch was that the take of "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" played at the opening was taken on the 26th, and was strangely edited to be included at the end of the third disc. On the other hand, the full-length version of the 26th was later released as "A NIGHT TO REMEMBER", which made the editing of "FAR EAST?" seem even more strange. In other words, even though it was possible to release a full-length version of the 24th sound source, it did not come true. In addition, the version of this sound source that was mentioned by the master was spread on the Internet, and it was so widespread that it could be easily downloaded from "GUITARS 101" rather than from a torrent site. It was strange that there was still no sign of a new item being released on February 24th. And now, the full-length version of the first day sound source in Osaka on February 24th will finally be released. Of course, the sound source itself is the same audience recording as "FAR EAST TOUR 1978" and the one that was spread on the Internet earlier, but the sound quality is completely different. For this release, we have obtained the ultimate version in which the taper himself, who recorded it, transferred the master cassette directly to DAT. What is surprising is the completely upper feeling. The natural and warm sound quality is so amazing that you can't help but scream, "This is the real sound from the master!" If you listen to this version, you will be reminded that each of the versions that have spread on the Internet, "FAR EAST?", has deteriorated. "FAR EAST?" seems to have been analog dubbed at least once, and the sound has become hard and thin. On the other hand, the version on the Internet has a noticeable muddy overall sound quality. This sounded like a deterioration that occurred in the process of uploading the sound source to the Internet. In that respect, the sound source this time is just overwhelmed by the natural and richly resonating bass. Originally, this sound source did not have the stimulating texture of the Mike Millard recording that captured the same stage in 1978, but rather the rounded analog-like sound quality is a big attraction. That was spoiled in all the past items in the version. The original 1978 tour band was essentially a parallel arrangement of the core members of the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue, and at this point Rob Stoner was playing bass. The sound quality is amazing, as you can hear his bass playing clearly. More than that, the balance of the entire performance is really on, and even the stereo feel of the lead guitar played by David Cross is transmitted. It is amazing that so much recording was left in 1978. Moreover, since this is a recording from the master, the longest recording ever was achieved by trying to record the tape in its original state without making any tweaks to the cuts that occurred due to tape changes. For example, at the start of recording "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right", the previous "Maggie's Farm" was cross-faded in "FAR EAST TOUR 1978", which actually increased the loss. Furthermore, no extra equalization was applied, and only fine adjustments were made to the pitch. And as the official "Budokan" liner notes state that the Osaka performance was the first time the excitement was felt, the pleasant and harmonious atmosphere of this day was also very real. The first performance in Japan was the first stage for the 1978 touring band, and the audience was able to hear the songs arranged for this tour for the first time. Because of this, the first half of the Tokyo performance was lacking in excitement due to the gap (or they were too tense and watched Dylan), but this day was actually a good day, and it was also attractive that the band was clearly playing more relaxed than before. Also, when the band members other than Dylan appeared, you could even hear someone say "Konbanwa!". This scene also conveys how relaxed the band was. Dylan himself was a little quiet, but it was nice to see him talking to the audience, and compared to Fuji Rock where he didn't say a word other than singing, the difference in atmosphere was interesting. What's more, you can enjoy repertoire not included in the Budokan concert, such as "I Threw It All Away" and "All I Really Want To Do," in superb sound quality, and above all, unlike the live album, it is valuable in that you can get a bird's-eye view of the entire stage of the day. The concept of the 1978 tour was for Dylan to sing with a big band sound that was even pop-like, and it is nice that he and the band performed carefully to faithfully make it sound good. Nowadays, high-quality audience recordings have been unearthed from his first visit to Japan, but the upper and best version of the sound source that boasts exceptional quality has finally been released. Here is a masterpiece that allows you to enjoy the real presence and power of the performance to your heart's content, which is unique to the recording from the master cassette of the first day in Osaka, which Dylan maniacs around the world have been craving! Live at Matsushita Denki Taiikukan, Osaka, Japan 24th February 1978 PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (66:12) 1. Intro 2. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall 3. Repossession Blues 4. Mr. Tambourine Man 5. I Threw It All Away 6. Love Minus Zero/No Limit 7. Ballad Of A Thin Man 8. If You See Her, Say Hello 9. Girl Of The North Country 10. Maggie's Farm 11. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright 12. To Ramona 13. Like A Rolling Stone 14. I Shall Be Released 15. Going, Going, Gone Disc 2 (64:27) 1. One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later) 2. Blowin' In The Wind 3. Just Like A Woman 4. Oh Sister 5. You're A Big Girl Now 6. All Along The Watchtower 7. I Want You 8. All I Really Want To Do 9. The Man In Me 10. Knockin' On Heaven's Door 11. Band Introduction 12. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) 13. Forever Young 14. The Times They Are A-Changin' Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar), Billy Cross (lead guitar), Alan Pasqua (keyboards), Steven Soles (rhythm guitar, backup vocals), David Mansfield (violin & mandolin), Steve Douglas (horns), Rob Stoner (bass), Bobbye Hall (percussion), Ian Wallace (drums), Helena Springs, Jo Ann Harris, Debbie Dye (background vocals)
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