Blues Icon Rory Block Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan with 20-Minute "Murder Most Foul" Cover on Rough And Rowdy Ways Anniversary

Article Contributed by Eric Alper | Published on Sunday, June 23, 2024

Taking a break from her award-winning Power Women of The Blues series, which has shone a light on women songwriters and performers over her three most recent albums, Rory Block throws her skills as a fingerpicker and traditional blues arranger behind one of the greatly respected leading artists and songwriter of all-time: Bob Dylan. Performing all instruments herself, Rory combines acoustic and slide guitars, as well as drums and acoustic bass, to create a one-of-a kind arrangement of Dylan’s songbook.

Today, Block releases her full, 20-minute rendition of Bob Dylan's epic "Murder Most Foul,” commemorating the 4th-anniversary of Dylan's seminal album ‘Rough And Rowdy Ways’ from her forthcoming album, ‘Positively 4th Street,’ out on June 28 through Stony Plain Records.

Originally featured as the centerpiece of Dylan's 2020 album, "Murder Most Foul" is a haunting, sprawling ballad that delves into the cultural landscape of 20th-century America, weaving together references to music, politics, and tragedy. Block's interpretation brings her signature blend of raw emotion and masterful guitar work to Dylan's poetic lyrics, adding her own distinct voice to this modern classic.

Rory Block is a Gold-album selling and 7-time Blues Music Award winner, widely regarded as the top female performer of traditional country-blues. Rory’s commitment as a blues preservationist with an ear for finding the soul of every song she performs has rewarded her with accolades from the blues and roots music community.

POSITEVELY 4TH STREET

Track Listing

1. Everything Is Broken 3:28

2. Ring Them Bells 2:43

3. Like A Rolling Stone 6:27

4. Not Dark Yet 6:04

5. Hey, Mr Tambourine Man 3:39

6. Positively 4th Street 5:05

7. A Hard Rain’s A - Gonna Fall 7:06

8. Mother Of Muses 6:39

9. Murder Most Foul 20:42

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