The Bootleg Series Vol. 9 - The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964

The Witmark Demos are seeing their first commercial release on 2 CD in nearly five decades after they were first recorded. Listening to these 47 original recordings, one can trace Dylan’s dramatic growth as a songwriter from early traditionally-styled songs like “Man On The Street” and “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Willie” through the social commentary of “Blowin’ In The Wind, “The Times They Are A Changin’” and “Masters Of War,” and the groundbreaking lyrical genius of “Mr. Tambourine Man.” All of these songs, and all the others on The Witmark Demos, were written – and their subsequent demos recorded – before Bob Dylan turned 24 years old.

　　Among the many gems found on The Witmark Demos are 15 previously unreleased Bob Dylan songs which include the plaintive “Ballad For A Friend,” the civil rights era-inspired “Long Ago, Far Away” and “The Death Of Emmett Till,” and the poignant “Guess I’m Doing Fine.