Guitar legend Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) returns to Now Spinning Magazine for the 3rd time! to go deep on the new reissues of Portraits of Bob Dylan (1999) and Natural Timbre (2001). We discuss how he chose the songs, why he avoided the obvious Dylan hits, arranging with taste (and restraint), performances with Jon Anderson, Annie Haslam, PP Arnold, Phoebe Snow, Allan Clarke, Max Bacon, Keith West, and the elegant drumming of Dylan Howe.We also explore the acoustic architecture of Natural Timbre—fingerstyle breakthroughs (“Dream River”), sequencing as storytelling, and knowing when to put the brushes down. Plus: Steve hints at a new Dylan-related EP, Signals Crossed, bringing the Portraits spirit into the present.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine