Christie’s recently unveiled a remarkable opportunity for music enthusiasts, collectors, and audiophiles worldwide.
Three exceptional NeoFidelity Ionic Original Acetate Discs, featuring iconic Bob Dylan classics, “Masters of War,” “Simple Twist of Fate,” and “Gotta Serve Somebody,” are now available for private sale at Christie’s New York.
These extraordinary, recently recorded Dylan tracks, produced during exclusive studio sessions with the multi-Grammy award-winning producer T Bone Burnett, are the second, third, and fourth recordings ever to harness the revolutionary Ionic technology developed by Burnett’s company, NeoFidelity, Inc. Following the resounding success of the inaugural edition, which presented Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and sold for a staggering $1.8 million USD at Christie’s London Classic Week in July 2023, this latest offering is set to redefine the realm of analogue sound reproduction.
T Bone Burnett, the visionary producer, heralds the Ionic Original Disc as a monumental leap forward in recorded sound technology, marking the most significant advancement in analogue sound reproduction in over seven decades. This innovation promises dramatic enhancements in both the listening experience and disc durability.
Each of these three captivating recordings, available for individual purchase, comes with the unique distinction of being custom-cut and coated with NeoFidelity’s pioneering ionic deposition. Furthermore, each disc bears the personal signatures of both Bob Dylan and Burnett, making them unparalleled treasures for music aficionados and collectors alike.
Timeless Classics
Originally released on Bob Dylan’s legendary second album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” “Masters of War” has endured the test of time. Dylan has performed this poignant anthem live countless times over the years, and it has been celebrated through covers by artists ranging from Pete Seeger to The Roots, Ed Sheeran, The Staple Singers, and Eddie Vedder, among many others.
The most renowned rendition of “Simple Twist of Fate” was captured on September 19, 1974, at A&R Recording Studios in New York City. It found its place on Bob Dylan’s fifteenth studio album, “Blood on the Tracks,” solidifying its status as a timeless masterpiece.
This Ionic Original recording of “Gotta Serve Somebody” showcases new lyrics penned by Bob Dylan himself. Originally recorded on May 4, 1979, at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama, this track marked the beginning of Dylan’s gospel era. It earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance the following year and was featured on his nineteenth studio album, “Slow Train Coming,” which achieved platinum status shortly after its 1979 release. “Gotta Serve Somebody” continues to receive acclaim, earning a spot on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of “100 Greatest Bob Dylan Songs.” Over 50 artists, including Shirley Caesar, Willie Nelson, and Etta James, have covered this remarkable composition.
T Bone Burnett: A Musical Virtuoso
Joseph Henry ‘T Bone’ Burnett, a multiple Grammy and Oscar winner, boasts a rich and diverse career in music. Born in St. Louis and raised in Fort Worth, T Bone’s musical journey began early, with influences spanning various genres. After witnessing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, he embarked on a musical adventure that eventually led him to the world of recording. One of his early milestones was producing and drumming on “Paralyzed” by the legendary Stardust Cowboy in 1968. However, his breakthrough came when Bob Dylan invited him to join his Rolling Thunder Review in 1975.
Following the tour’s conclusion in 1976, Burnett’s career blossomed. He not only became a prominent solo artist but also earned acclaim for his work as a producer and composer in film and television. His extensive discography includes the five-time Grammy-winning soundtrack for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” as well as contributions to “The Big Lebowski,” “Cold Mountain,” “The Hunger Games,” “Crazy Heart,” “Walk The Line,” and more.
Burnett’s musical talents also graced the critically acclaimed HBO series “True Detective” and the FX series “The Old Man.” Throughout his illustrious career, he collaborated with an array of artists, including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and Roy Orbison. Notably, he secured Album of the Year and Record of the Year Grammy Awards for producing Robert Plant and Alison Krauss‘ “Raising Sand.”
In his latest venture, Burnett released “The Invisible Light: Spaces,” the second instalment in The Invisible Light trilogy. This experimental song cycle delves into the idea that society faces a programming pandemic, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
Conclusion
In summary, the availability of these NeoFidelity Ionic Original Acetate Discs, featuring the musical genius of Bob Dylan and the visionary production of T Bone Burnett, signifies a momentous event in the realm of music and sound technology. These unique recordings are poised to captivate the hearts of music enthusiasts, collectors, and audiophiles across the globe. As the world eagerly awaits the chance to acquire these musical treasures, they stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bob Dylan and the innovative spirit of T Bone Burnett. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of musical history.
Images: Christie’s