By Tony Attwood
I can’t understand why there are so few cover versions of Black Diamond Bay around… although judging by the few that I have found this afternoon one reason might be that it’s a difficult song to perform. The renditions are ok, but nothing really shines out.
However there is one cover version that really, really ought to be better known and that is Jacques Levy’s own version with Jacques on piano. I have a feeling that this is the only recording available of him playing the song.
In fact I know that at one stage I had an email from a close relative of Jacques Levy, thanking me for digging this out, as he didn’t have a copy, and indeed didn’t even know of its existence.
Listen to the piano – it really is adventurous and reflects the fun of the lyrics.
And yes I know Mr Levy was co-composer, so it’s not really a 100% cover but this is so much fun I don’t really mind. I value this recording so much – not just because it is fun, but also because I really do think it is a great co-composition.
Meanwhile – if you are thinking of going to listen for any other versions of the song, unless I’ve missed something, I wouldn’t bother. The few that are out there, are ok, but really don’t say anything new, nor are they particularly entertaining.
According to the official site, Bob only performed it once in public – that in 1976 – but really listen to the piano and just think of the fun one can have with this. Ok it’s Levy and not Dylan, but still it is hilarious, original, excellently constructed, and well, just so enjoyable.
Previously in this series…
- Dylan cover of the day: Number 1. The song with numbers in the title.
- Dylan cover of the day. No 2: Ain’t Talkin
- Bob Dylan cover of the day No3: All I really want to do
- Dylan cover of the day No4: Angelina
- Dylan covers of the day No 5. Apple Suckling and Are you Ready.
- Cover version of the day No 6: As I went out one morning
- Dylan cover of the day No 7: Ballad for a Friend
- Dylan Cover of the Day No 8: Ballad in Plain D
- Dylan Cover of the Day No 9: Ballad of a thin man
- Dylan cover No. 10: The stunning reworking of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
- Dylan cover of the day No 11: The ballad of Hollis Brown
- A Dylan cover a day No 12: Beyond here lies nothing
- Dylan cover of the day No 13: Blind Willie McTell
- Dylan Cover of the Day 14: Black Crow Blues (more fun than you might recall)
Very cool…this is the first time I really listened to this song. And I agree about the sense of humor. What a story! Reminded me of “Lily, Rosemary, & the Jack of Hearts.” Thank you!
Nice posting today on Black Diamond Bay, thank you for this untold story.
There’s only ONE Bob
I won’t believe that a guy who co-wrote the song is playing it? Thanks for sharing, but let’s back off from the clickbait title!
Jesse, I am sorry you didn’t get the reference. The point is that until this was uncovered there was no recording of the co-composer playing and singing the song. Indeed even his relatives didn’t know the recording existed until we found it. And besides, if you think that title is clickbait, I am not sure you fully understand the concept.
Just found this – a revelation. I knew of Mr. Levy’s many talents, but not as a singer and piano player. Terrific.