I just saw old Ramblin Jack at the HIghline Ballroom and he lived up to his nickname. I’d be tempted to say he’s fairly senile at this point, but I have a suspicion that he got his nickname not from trottin’ about, but from literally rambling on and on. At least 40% of the show was him talking: old stories about Dylan, rodeos in Belgium, skateboarding, and his dog Caeser. Most of hte music was old blues and Guthrie/Dylan-like stuff, but this one stood out to me, as I have a weakness for these kind of tales about old Mexico.
The next best part of the show was when he told a 20 minute story about his old Husky, Caeser, who used to go with him everywhere and come on stage with him. He said Caeser used to listen intently every time he played this old tune about a boy and his dog http://www.divshare.com/download/7363879-d1d
Emotions swelled as he started to talk about how Caeser wasn’t around anymore. As he was speaking, it seemed every New York asshole in the house felt the need to go out to the bathroom or recharge their iphones or whatever. He started getting really annoyed that people wouldn’t shut up and listen to his ode to his dear departed friend. Even after scolding the audience he attempted to keep playing. Just then I saw two fuckers in suits get up and go out, and I can only imagine what was going on behind me. He abruptly stopped playing and said, “I tried… I guess this ain’t no town for huskies,” and walked off stage. I thought that was great.
