Bob Dylan has re-recorded his early 1960s classic “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which originally appeared on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. The updated track is the debut Ionic Original—a new analog format developed by longtime Dylan collaborator T Bone Burnett. The one-of-a-kind disc will be auctioned by Christie’s in London on July 7. The recording will go for an estimated bidding price of £600,000-1,000,000.
The new rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind” marks the first time Dylan has recorded the song since tracking the original 60 years ago. The Bard cut the new version last year with Burnett, who produced the single. Only one copy of this new recording of “Blowin’ in the Wind” will be offered as an Ionic Original disc.
Burnett announced Ionic Originals last month. The new, high-quality audio technology will come in the form of one-of-a-kind aluminum discs painted with lacquer featuring “a spiral etched into it by music.” It purports to be the first major new format in analog music reproduction in more than seven decades, following the advent of the polyvinyl disc. (Previously, records were cut from shellac.)
“Sixty years after Bob first wrote and recorded ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’, he is giving us a new recording of his song,” Burnett said in press materials. “One that is both deeply relevant for our times and resonant with decades of the artist’s life and experience. We’re grateful to Christie’s for their belief in the ‘Ionic Original’ and for presenting Bob’s masterful recording to the world in a unique and meaningful way.”
Peter Klarnet, a Senior Specialist at Christie’s, added: “Christie’s is excited to be offering this unique recording of Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’, one of the most important songs written in the last century, on this groundbreaking new ‘Ionic Original’ format. I very much share T Bone Burnett’s passion for the sonic excellence of analog sound and it is fitting that this important development is being offered as a stand-out lot in The Exceptional Sale, London on 7 July 2022.”
Later this month, Dylan will kick off a new batch of tour dates behind Rough and Rowdy Ways. He also has a book on the way called The Philosophy of Modern Song.
