Dylan energetically sifts through Americana

Bob Dylan sang the recurring signature phrase of “Highway 61 Revisited” with unusual vehemence during his concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre on Sunday. By doing so, he seemed to be driving home its iconic status while relishing the way it roused his crowd.

It was good to see Dylan having fun with his legend and the canon, and that spirit of playfulness marked the entire evening, even if it was periodically put on hold during such dark excursions as “Things Have Changed.” Overall, it sustained the tone and the quality of his memorable Wiltern shows last year.

But the setting -- the Pacific is smack in the middle of the Orange County Fair, and ticket-holders walked past its booths and displays on their way to the amphitheater’s entrance -- added a distinctive twist. It reinforced the rich Americana of Dylan’s music, and suggested one more archetype to add to the gallery that he evokes. Along with the minstrel, the gaunt preacher and the wandering bard, there’s also a touch of the carny.

The fair even gave him material for a joke during his introduction of his four-member band, something about winning a pig and everyone getting used to the smell. He also got off a cornball line that sounded like something Elvis might have mumbled: “The best drummer, ladies and gentlemen, on this stage.”

“Highway 61 Revisited” was one of the few chances to wallow in nostalgia. Only four other songs from the ‘60s (“Tombstone Blues,” “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” “Like a Rolling Stone” and “All Along the Watchtower”) made it into a set weighted toward his two most recent albums. Dylan played electric piano for the entire set, which marked the Southland debut of new guitarist Freddie Koella. He fit with fellow guitarist Larry Campbell like a glove and got a chance to solo on “Summer Days.” More than ever, this band hugs the road, then sprouts wings and takes off.