By Doug Poe
Composer Guissepe Verdi, even though he has been dead for over a hundred years, was the subject of an engaging article in a recent issue of The New York Times. Avid fans of Verdi have honored him through a group called Il Club dei, whose members assemble at various times near a statue of Verdi in Manhatten.
Instead of being referred to by their real names, each member is assigned an alias from the title of a Verdi opera. Thus, Il Club dei includes a Luisa Miller, a Falstaff, and a Vespri Siciliani.
Membership is limited to 27, which reflects the number of operas written by Verdi, but there are a great number of people on the waiting list. Only when an existing passes can the first person on the waiting list gain official induction, so it is a slow process.
Enthusiasts of a more modern genre of music could start a similar club, only they might limit they might extend the maximum membership to two and a half times that of Il Club dei. This group of 61 would bond over a love for the music of Bob Dylan, whose most famous record is Highway 61 Revisited.
Just as those who are part of Il Club dei just assume the name of a Verdi opera, the 61 folks selected for what might be called Zimmy Zealots would take on monikers after Dylan titles. Such an assignment should prove quite easy, given that Dylan has penned over 500 songs.
Here are fifteen recommendations for use among the 61 prospective members.
Jokerman
Religious overtones are characteristic of Bob's lyrics, especially on this epic from Infidels.
John Wesley Harding
Serving as the title track for an album showing that once again, Dylan had moved on a different musical direction, it recalls the Pretty Boy Floyd of folk idol Woody Guthrie.
Queen Jane Approximately
It may not be a person being referred to in this gem from Highway 61 Revisited, but it would still be more than suitable for a female member of this club.
Absolutely Sweet Marie
When someone asks her where are you tonight, Sweet Marie could answer that she was attending the meeting of the Zimmy Zealots.
Father of Night
New Morning is, odd!y enough, where this track can be found.
Tiny Montgomery
Part of the immortal tunes recorded with the Band on The Basement Tapes, this name should be given to the biggest member of the proposed organization.
Neighborhood Bully
Whichever member attempts to dominate the gatherings gets this title, spawning from the Infidels record.
Arthur McBride
This cover version appeared on Good As I Been To You, setting off somewhat of a Dylan revival in the Nineties.
Diamond Joe
If there happens to be a gambler among the 61 members, he gets this pseudonym.
Sad Eyed Lady of the Low Lands
She who gets assigned this title should be a blonde, considering the album the song closes.
Mr. Tambourine Man
Although he would not necessarily being the instrument with him, this guy should be followed in the jingle jangle morning.
Quinn the Eskimo
When this mighty member arrives to the meeting, all the members are going to run to him.
The Wicked Messenger
He who is designed the task of announcing the deaths of any among the 61 might likely be referred to as this tune from John Wesley Harding.
Lenny Bruce
Bob recognized the controversial comedian on this ode from Shot of Love, which might suit the funniest among the congregation.
Silvio
Down in the Groove is the home for this classic, which could work with any member of the Double Zees.