“The Complete Unknowns” will be performing the music of Bob Dylan on September 9th and 10th at 8 pm at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. Their show will include performances by special guests, Mamalee and Jim Lawler. When co-founder Randy Hudson III was asked why Bob Dylan matters, he said exclusively for hamptons.com, “He has few peers, as it relates to the sheer depth and diversity of his vast catalog. He’s been an inspiration to so many. They say, ‘the idol of your idol is also your idol.’ Jimi Hendrix idolized Bob Dylan.”
Michael Weiskopf is the other co-founder of The Complete Unknowns. In a previous interview with hamptons.com, he said this about Dylan. “Probably when I first heard his first record back in 1960-1961…It was my introduction, my gateway into the world of folk blues and jazz and of Jack Elliot, Dave Van Ronk, and if you go back even further to the great black blues of Robert Johnson and those great blues artists of the Delta and Chicago blues. Bob Dylan’s influence came to me at a very early age.”
The Complete Unknowns put a lot of energy and thought into what they are going to play. That is because with Dylan the band has 600 songs to choose from. Weiskopf has said, “… and over the years, we have played more than half of them.”
He explained that the band finds it a challenge putting their shows together. It is tough for them to choose which songs to play and which to leave out to have a theme. Obviously, it is a difficult task with Dylan’s playlist to decide what to include and what you have to leave out because of the time factor.
They explained that the band is more than a tribute band to Bob Dylan because things about Dylan are “eternal.” When The Complete Unknowns play live, they are interesting and authentic. The band can get the audience going to get an emotional payoff from it. They have that unique ability to put it all together yet somehow put their authentic touch and magic to each song they perform. That is why they are so successful and loved.
The Complete Unknowns have Stuart Sherman on Keyboards and and Organ-Vocals. He can deliver the Al Kooper vibe and a touch of Garth Hudson’s genius. Bob Dylan has always had great bass players, such as Harvey Brooks. Taka Shimizu plays a vital, classy Bass Guitar. His vocals are a key part of the band. The electric Alex Sarkis is on the Drums, Percussion, and Vocals.
Then there are the co-founders. There are the smooth, precise sounds of Randolph Hudson III with his Electric Guitars, Synthesizer, along with his vocals. Mr. Weiskopf, who also sings lead vocals, plays harmonica and guitar, noted that Randolph(Hudson) brings “a lot to the songs that he sings lead on.”
Mr. Hudson noted that during Covid, what the band missed most was, “The value of connection. During the peaks of Covid, it was personal connection mainly via online means (Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live), and it taught us the value of not taking personal connection for granted.”
Mr. Weiskopf explained that they are not Bob Dylan impersonators, “but like Bob Dylan himself interpreters of his musical legacy.”
Concerning the Bay Street Audience and venue, Mr. Hudson said, “The staff is amazing. Wonderful hospitality and care from everyone involved in the production. The venue is great size, great sound system, and not a bad seat in the house. I appreciate the wonderful supportive music community of the East End of Long Island. That includes fellow Musicians, Performers, Songwriters, Fans, Photographers and Writers, like those at hamptons.com.”
For more information www.baystreet.org
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