A new collection chronicling the formative years of Bob Dylan's career is set for release. Titled Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Through the Open Window 1956-1963, this extensive set will be available on October 31, 2025, through Legacy Recordings. It aims to provide a detailed look at Dylan's development as a songwriter and performer, covering his journey from Minnesota to the vibrant folk scene of Greenwich Village in the early 1960s.
Key Takeaways
- New Bob Dylan Bootleg Series, Vol. 18, is due October 31, 2025.
- The collection focuses on Dylan's early career from 1956 to 1963.
- It features 139 tracks, including 48 previously unreleased performances.
- Recordings include studio outtakes, club dates, and informal sessions.
- A complete 1963 Carnegie Hall concert is included in the Deluxe edition.
Exploring Dylan's Emergence
This latest installment in the acclaimed Bootleg Series offers a deep dive into Dylan's initial artistic period. It covers his life and music from 1956, when he was a teenager in Minnesota, through his arrival and rise in New York City's Greenwich Village by 1963. The collection provides a chronological narrative of his musical evolution.
The series is known for uncovering rare and previously unheard material. This new volume continues that tradition. It presents recordings from various settings, including rare Columbia Records outtakes, live performances at clubs, intimate gatherings, private apartment sessions, and jam sessions held in now-defunct musicians' havens.
Release Details
- Release Date: October 31, 2025
- Label: Legacy Recordings
- Deluxe Edition: 8-CDs, 139 tracks (48 unreleased, 38 rare)
- Highlights Edition: 4-LPs or 2-CDs
Content of the Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe edition of Through the Open Window 1956-1963 is an expansive 8-CD set. It contains a total of 139 tracks. Among these, 48 performances have never been released before, offering fresh insights for fans and scholars. Additionally, 38 tracks are described as "super-rare", highlighting the collection's focus on historical preservation.
Pre-orders for the Deluxe edition are available in the U.S. and U.K. A highlights edition, offered on either 4-LPs or 2-CDs, is also available for pre-order in both regions, as well as in Canada. These multiple formats ensure accessibility for different types of collectors.
"This collection truly captures the raw energy and creative ferment of Dylan's earliest years, providing an unparalleled look at his journey from an unknown talent to a burgeoning folk icon."
Early Recordings and Collaborations
The various editions feature early stage and studio versions of many well-known Dylan compositions. These include iconic songs such as "Song to Woody," "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down," "Blowin' in the Wind," "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Girl From the North Country," "Masters of War," and "The Times They Are A-Changin'." These tracks showcase the evolution of his songwriting.
The sets also include rehearsals and stage collaborations with notable figures in the folk music scene. Artists such as Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger, and Dave Van Ronk appear alongside Dylan. These collaborations highlight the collaborative spirit of the early 1960s folk revival.
Historical Context
The period between 1956 and 1963 was crucial for Bob Dylan. He moved from his hometown in Hibbing, Minnesota, to New York City. In Greenwich Village, he immersed himself in the folk music scene, developing his unique voice and songwriting style. This era saw him sign with Columbia Records and release his first two albums, laying the groundwork for his legendary career.
The 1963 Carnegie Hall Concert
A significant highlight of the Deluxe edition is the inclusion of Dylan's complete, previously unreleased 1963 concert at Carnegie Hall. This landmark performance has been mixed from its original tapes, providing high-fidelity audio. The Carnegie Hall show is considered a pivotal moment in Dylan's early career, marking his growing influence and popularity.
The final two discs of the 8-CD Deluxe edition are dedicated entirely to this concert. This allows listeners to experience the full performance as it happened. The inclusion of this complete concert offers a unique historical document.
The Deluxe edition also comes with a hardcover book. This book features extensive liner notes written by Sean Wilentz, a respected historian and author. It also contains over 100 rare photographs, offering visual context to Dylan's early years. These elements combine to create a comprehensive package for fans.
Track Listing Overview
The first six discs of the Deluxe edition present a chronological journey through Dylan's early recordings. Disc 1 begins with recordings from 1956 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and informal sessions in Hibbing, extending to early New York City club dates in 1961. These tracks illustrate his initial forays into music.
- Disc 1: Early informal recordings (1956-1961), Gaslight Cafe, Riverside Church, Gerdes Folk City performances.
- Disc 2: Carnegie Chapter Hall (1961), Bob Dylan album outtakes, Minneapolis party recordings (1961).
- Disc 3: WBAI-FM radio broadcast (1962), informal recordings, Gerdes Folk City (1962), Freewheelin' outtakes, Montreal Finjan club.
- Disc 4: More Freewheelin' outtakes (1962), Minneapolis party, Gaslight Cafe (1962), single alternate takes.
- Disc 5: BBC-TV (1963), Broadside Ballads, Town Hall (1963) performances, informal NYC recordings, Club 47, Freewheelin' alternate takes.
- Disc 6: SNCC Rally in Greenwood, MS (1963), Minneapolis party, Newport Folk Festival (1963) with collaborations, Times They Are A-Changin' sessions, March on Washington.
The breadth of material on these discs provides an unprecedented view into Dylan's creative process. From solo acoustic performances to collaborations and early studio attempts, the collection captures the essence of his artistic journey before he achieved widespread fame.
Significance of the Bootleg Series
The Bob Dylan Bootleg Series has earned critical acclaim over the years for its meticulous curation and historical importance. Each volume sheds new light on different phases of Dylan's career, offering fans rare recordings, alternate takes, and live performances that were previously unavailable. This series is a cornerstone for understanding his artistry.
This 18th volume continues that legacy by focusing on the very beginning. It highlights the foundational period where Dylan honed his craft, developed his unique lyrical style, and established himself as a voice of his generation. The collection underscores the impact of the folk revival on his early work.
Many other titles from the acclaimed Bootleg Series are currently available. These earlier releases cover various periods of Dylan's long career, from his electric period to his gospel years. They offer a rich tapestry of his musical output, complementing this new release.
The release of Through the Open Window 1956-1963 is a major event for music enthusiasts and historians. It promises to deepen the understanding of one of the most influential figures in popular music, providing intimate glimpses into his journey from obscurity to global recognition.
