INSIDE:

Neshama Carlebach
Performs At JCC

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Jews In
Motown Jazz

83

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DFT Screens
Schneebaum Documentary .. 84

'34 4t.
Photo courtesy of Interscope Records

The Wallflowers' Jakob Dylan
at last acknowledges his famous lineage.

Michael Ward, Mario
Calire, Greg Richling,
Jakob Dylan and
Rami Jaffee. Dylan
and Jaffee are the only
original members of
the band, which
played some of its first
gigs in the reception
room of an L.A. deli.

GEORGE VARGA
Copley News Service

0

riginality is prized by bands both
younger and older than the
Wallflowers. But Jakob Dylan,
the leader of this classic rock-
inspired quintet and the son of one of rock
'n' roll's most imitated legends, is con-
vinced originality is overrated.
"I think people make a huge mistake by
denying tradition," said Dylan, whose
famed father continues to salute and

extend various stylistic traditions on a
nightly basis. "Everything lasting around
you is based on tradition, whether it's
architecture, pottery or whatever.
"The idea of inventing something origi-
nal is pointless, and it's often unattainable.
Being original either happens or it doesn't.
That's why groups who spend a lot of time
when they are young playing cover songs
[by other artists] are so powerful. You have
to learn what you're doing first, before you
can invent something of your own."
Besides, originality isn't the point — at

least not for this 31-year-old singer, song-
writer and somewhat-reluctant rock star.
"The point is to be inspired," said
Dylan, who will bring the Wallflowers to
Detroit Aug. 28 fora concert at DTE
Energy Music Theatre, where they'll join
John Mellencamp and his "Curtin Heads"
Tour 2001.
"Early on, people asked me a lot about
my inspirations, and I mentioned the Clash.
But my point was never to imitate them,"
says Dylan. "I was not a middle-class guy
RISING SON on page 78

8/24
2001

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