Bob Dylan’s 18th Bootleg Series, ‘Through the Open Window 1956-1963’, Set for Release
Bob Dylan’s early musical journey is set to be thoroughly explored in the upcoming release of Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series Vol 18: Through the Open Window 1956-1963. This compilation, due on October 31, 2025, through Legacy Recordings, aims to shed light on the formative years of Dylan’s career as a songwriter and performer, delving into his evolution from his roots in Minnesota to his time in the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s. The collection is a treasure trove of rare Columbia Records outtakes, live recordings from club performances, intimate gatherings, impromptu jam sessions at friends’ homes, and sets at long-lost haunts frequented by musicians. Boasting an impressive tracklist of 139 songs, with 48 previously unreleased performances and 38 extremely rare recordings, the 8-CD Deluxe Edition of the release, available for pre-order in different formats, serves as a comprehensive time capsule chronicling Dylan’s early artistic growth.
The compilation spotlights early renditions of some of Bob Dylan’s most iconic compositions, such as “Song to Woody,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” The package also features rehearsals and live collaborations with fellow musical luminaries like Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, among others. Notably, the last two discs of the Deluxe Edition present the unreleased full recording of Dylan’s legendary 1963 concert at Carnegie Hall, meticulously remixed from the original tapes. Adding to the authenticity and richness of the release is a hardcover book complete with extensive liner notes by Sean Wilentz and a captivating collection of over 100 rare photographs documenting the early days of Bob Dylan’s illustrious career.
The tracklist for the 8-CD Deluxe Edition of Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series Vol 18: Through the Open Window 1956-1963 spans a range of intimate settings and stage performances. From early recordings at small gatherings in Minnesota and Wisconsin to club dates in New York City and historic collaborations with musical colleagues, the collection is a delightful exploration of Dylan’s artistic genesis. Songs like “Let the Good Times Roll,” “San Francisco Bay Blues,” “East Virginia Blues,” and many more offer a glimpse into the budding genius of a young Bob Dylan honing his craft and finding his voice in the bustling folk music scene of the 1960s.
In essence, Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series Vol 18: Through the Open Window 1956-1963 promises to be a must-have addition for fans and music enthusiasts looking to uncover the hidden gems of Bob Dylan’s early career trajectory. From raw, unpolished recordings to luminous live performances, this comprehensive collection unveils the formative years of a musical icon as he journeyed from obscurity to global acclaim, shaping the landscape of folk and popular music for generations to come.