27.Dec.2008 Cracks in the Door: Simon on Two Georges – Gershwin and Harrison
Occasionally this blog will look “back through the cracks in the door,” taking a moment to revisit some overlooked aspects of Paul Simon’s career. To get things started, here’s Simon discussing two musical legends: George Gershwin and George Harrison. The essay on Gershwin comes from the New York Times, which ran a series of articles [...]
26.Dec.2008 Author
A literary take on the lyrics of Paul Simon, courtesy of the folks at Abbeville.
24.Dec.2008 Silver Bells
Just in time for Christmas, a Paul Simon-Steve Martin SNL classic (audio only). Enjoy!
23.Dec.2008 Davy Graham, 1940-2008
In memory of Davy Grahm, who died on December 15th, here’s Paul and Eddie Simon performing Graham’s “Anji” on the Kraft Music Hall in 1968:
Bizarro Papa Hobo
From DJ Earworm comes this astounding mashup of the work-in-progress version of “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes” and Django Reinhardt’s “Brazil.” Perhaps the greatest cross-cultural, inter-generational, world-jazz-groove of all time. A revelation. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Brazilian Diamonds
02.Apr.2008 Quick Hits
“Love in Hard Times: The Music of Paul Simon,” a monthlong artist-in-residence gig began last night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The examination of Paul’s work is composed of a suite of three concerts over three April weekends, beginning with “Songs from the Capeman,” a musical staging of Paul’s Broadway musical; “Under African Skies,” [...]
29.Aug.2007 Best Homeward Bound
“Homeward Bound” exists in many incarnations. From the folk-rock Simon & Garfunkel arrangement of the 1960s to the Flamenco and piano jazz Simon & Garfunkel take from 2003-04, Paul Simon’s best road song has clearly stood the test of time. But what’s the best version? Well, I’m partial to the “Old Friends” tour approach, which [...]
Live From Abbey Road – August 30 in the U.S.
Patrick88 writes in the comments: Paul Simon will perform and discuss his work on tomorrow night’s episode (August 30th) of Live From Abbey Road on the Sundance Channel! Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. For more info, visit: www.livefromabbeyroad.com
17.Aug.2007 A Boxer and Child Reunion of Sorts
The opening bars to “The Boxer,” perhaps Paul Simon’s most enduring song, are instantly recognizable because of one man: Fred Carter Jr., the Nashville session player whose cascading melody line (in an alternate tuning) introduces the song’s first verse. Fred’s daughter, Deana, is releasing an album in October that features both her dad’s playing and [...]
Simon & Garfunkel Mayer Eno Masekela?
In an interview with the Scotsman on Sunday, legendary flugelhorn player and Graceland show star Hugh Masekela hinted at a possible world tour with Paul Simon: Masekela and Simon reunite over Darfur MIKE WADE LEGENDARY musicians Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon – who played together in the controversial Graceland tour of 1986 – are to [...]
