When I heard Paul Simon was touring - with Rufus
Wainwright no less - I got very excited. A huge fan of both, I was ready for
action, but the dates available made it impossible for me to go, and one was at
the vineyards, a location I am not fond of for concerts. But when the vineyard
concert changed to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre (again, not a great venue)
it made my attendance easier! I couldn't believe, for once in my life, luck was
on my side.
Rufus Wainwright, fabulous son from a talented family, is a prodigious talent. His sister, definitely has the better voice, but how can you not love this gorgeous man who did a whole concert paying homage to Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall! Our seats were good and we were thrilled when he arrived on stage looking Rufusy! Just him and a grand piano, he sounded good, though appeared nervous at times. He toggled between guitar and piano with no band whatsoever. That is brave and he pulled it off easily. His piano playing was superb and he was physically dramatic, swaying along with his playing. Such intensity, as you would expect!
I can't find a setlist anywhere online for this, so can only remember some songs from his 30min set. He sung The Maker Makes from Brokeback Mountain, which I love. Montauk and Out of the Game from his latest album, both excellent tunes. Memphis Skyline, his tribute to Jeff Buckley followed by Hallelujah. He spoke before starting to sing this double about Jeff Buckley. He had been asked to sing Hallelujah for the Shrek soundtrack and had never heard the Buckley version. I find this odd, but there you go, he heard it afterwards and said had he heard it prior he would never have recorded the song. I love Rufus's version, but Buckley's is definitive for sure (after Cohen of course). Both songs were stunning, and I was very moved by hearing his Hallelujah.
He ended with Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk, which is a personal favourite and we were sad to have it end. Next time we shall see him as a main act.
Prior to attending I has been thinking about why Rufus was touring with Paul Simon and vice verse, pleased, but it seemed not quite right. Different styles, different eras and presumably different audiences. I thought Simon may have been friends with his parents, and this may be so, but it was something quite different. They live near each other in Montauk, and are friends...simple and sweet...and come to think of it, probably have a lot in common, given their pasts!
After a short break, out came Paul Simon, the crowd cheered. He had a large band with him, very tight, very funky and assisted him brilliantly in presenting all these classic songs. I have attached the setlist below, and you can see it was a fabulous mix of classics, new and some Simon and Garfunkel classics.
I grew up with Paul Simon, as my Dad was a fan, and came to know Simon and Garfunkel through music lessons. I adore both, I love the funky grooves of Simon, and Graceland is one of my all time favourite albums. Bridge Over Troubled Water is my second favourite song of all time (after Hey Jude), I am not good at picking a favourite and staying with it, but this will never change. I actually went into the concert hoping he would not attempt this, he did not...phew. It is beautifully written, with the most comforting and uplifting lyrics, perfected by Art Garfunkel's angelic voice...but I digress, I am pretty sure there is a whole post to be written on the beauty of this song!
Paul Simon knows his place in music history, not in a cocky way, just an assured and confidant stance, as one should be when they are a musical icon in their 70s. He commanded the audience and enjoyed their interaction. He is also a very still performer, he does not move much when playing and performing. He certainly got down and funky in instrumental sections when not singing, but mostly it was perfect delivery and stillness. A complete contrast to seeing Bruce Springsteen a few weeks earlier, yet equally as impressive.
He started with Gumboots, the jaunty African tune from Graceland and you felt that immediate joy of a well known song touching your heart. Graceland is just one of those albums, still relatively 'new' compared to his older tracks...yet over 25 years old, yikes! And after a song from his new album, which I really like, he went straight into the cannon with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, a great song and we were entranced. By the time he got to an incredibly cool cover of the classic Junior Parker blues number, Mystery Train, we knew we were in for an interesting ride that was covering every track and turn of his musical career.
And so it continued until the diversity of the last three songs. All you need to know about Paul Simon, post Simon and Garfunkel was there! The great title track from So Beautiful or So What (the new album), followed by the exquisiteness of Graceland's Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes (a personal favourite), to the rockin' groove of Late in the Evening. Of course, by this stage almost everyone were on their feet!
After a short break he came back, just Paul and a guitar, and simply sung Sound of Silence, you could hear a pin drop. It was beautiful, stunning and emotional. Then the band joined him for Kodachrome, then he soloed on a lovely version of Here Comes the Sun, such a surprise and a gift really. Only to be topped by a rousing rendition of You Can Call Me Al. This is one of those catchy pop songs, but on a closer listen, it is so much more. Great lyrics and great beats, hence the easy transition to pop, but a very funky bass line, soaring horns and a flute bit.
And that's the thing about Simon's music, it is authentic, yet borrows from everywhere. I read he writes the music first and then the lyrics. This explains the intricate words, they need to fit the rhythm. I love his rhythms, but his words have always fascinated me. Some of his lyrics are better than poetry. The twist and wind and fit into the music so intrinsically, you would think they appeared simultaneously by divine intervention. Not many do it well, but he is one of the best.
So, was all that enough...of course not, another encore, this time Graceland, and then a Bo Diddley cover. He says Graceland is the song he is most proud of and I believe it is a masterpiece. Of course, I bastardised his opening line over a decade ago when I saw the Mississippi for the first time. He begins, "The Mississippi Delta is shining like a national guitar", I was like yeah, nuh, more like a slimy, muddy bathtub! It was not a clean river! But seriously, the lyrics in this are stunning. I love "I see losing love is like a window in your heart. And everybody sees you're blown apart" He gets it, for sure!
Then he walks back off the stage, but that can't be it. Some people start to walk out, obviously not seasoned concert goers. Everyone knows you wait until the houselights come on! And of course, he comes back out for the final encore, dragging a reluctant Rufus with him and they attempt The Boxer. I do love The Boxer and whilst I really enjoyed hearing it, it was obvious Rufus has not really rehearsed it and was very nervous. He didn't wreck it, but he shouldn't have attempted it. Nonetheless, it is a powerful song and we all joined in the chorus of lie la lie...
I walked back to the car, the night sky lit by a full moon, still air and songs going round in the head. Lucky and blessed I am to have been able to bear witness to history. And a huge thanks to A and D for letting me tag along, especially to D, who had to put up with A and I getting a little cranky with some rude people behind us!
SET LIST
Rufus Wainwright, fabulous son from a talented family, is a prodigious talent. His sister, definitely has the better voice, but how can you not love this gorgeous man who did a whole concert paying homage to Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall! Our seats were good and we were thrilled when he arrived on stage looking Rufusy! Just him and a grand piano, he sounded good, though appeared nervous at times. He toggled between guitar and piano with no band whatsoever. That is brave and he pulled it off easily. His piano playing was superb and he was physically dramatic, swaying along with his playing. Such intensity, as you would expect!
I can't find a setlist anywhere online for this, so can only remember some songs from his 30min set. He sung The Maker Makes from Brokeback Mountain, which I love. Montauk and Out of the Game from his latest album, both excellent tunes. Memphis Skyline, his tribute to Jeff Buckley followed by Hallelujah. He spoke before starting to sing this double about Jeff Buckley. He had been asked to sing Hallelujah for the Shrek soundtrack and had never heard the Buckley version. I find this odd, but there you go, he heard it afterwards and said had he heard it prior he would never have recorded the song. I love Rufus's version, but Buckley's is definitive for sure (after Cohen of course). Both songs were stunning, and I was very moved by hearing his Hallelujah.
He ended with Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk, which is a personal favourite and we were sad to have it end. Next time we shall see him as a main act.
Prior to attending I has been thinking about why Rufus was touring with Paul Simon and vice verse, pleased, but it seemed not quite right. Different styles, different eras and presumably different audiences. I thought Simon may have been friends with his parents, and this may be so, but it was something quite different. They live near each other in Montauk, and are friends...simple and sweet...and come to think of it, probably have a lot in common, given their pasts!
After a short break, out came Paul Simon, the crowd cheered. He had a large band with him, very tight, very funky and assisted him brilliantly in presenting all these classic songs. I have attached the setlist below, and you can see it was a fabulous mix of classics, new and some Simon and Garfunkel classics.
I grew up with Paul Simon, as my Dad was a fan, and came to know Simon and Garfunkel through music lessons. I adore both, I love the funky grooves of Simon, and Graceland is one of my all time favourite albums. Bridge Over Troubled Water is my second favourite song of all time (after Hey Jude), I am not good at picking a favourite and staying with it, but this will never change. I actually went into the concert hoping he would not attempt this, he did not...phew. It is beautifully written, with the most comforting and uplifting lyrics, perfected by Art Garfunkel's angelic voice...but I digress, I am pretty sure there is a whole post to be written on the beauty of this song!
Paul Simon knows his place in music history, not in a cocky way, just an assured and confidant stance, as one should be when they are a musical icon in their 70s. He commanded the audience and enjoyed their interaction. He is also a very still performer, he does not move much when playing and performing. He certainly got down and funky in instrumental sections when not singing, but mostly it was perfect delivery and stillness. A complete contrast to seeing Bruce Springsteen a few weeks earlier, yet equally as impressive.
He started with Gumboots, the jaunty African tune from Graceland and you felt that immediate joy of a well known song touching your heart. Graceland is just one of those albums, still relatively 'new' compared to his older tracks...yet over 25 years old, yikes! And after a song from his new album, which I really like, he went straight into the cannon with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, a great song and we were entranced. By the time he got to an incredibly cool cover of the classic Junior Parker blues number, Mystery Train, we knew we were in for an interesting ride that was covering every track and turn of his musical career.
And so it continued until the diversity of the last three songs. All you need to know about Paul Simon, post Simon and Garfunkel was there! The great title track from So Beautiful or So What (the new album), followed by the exquisiteness of Graceland's Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes (a personal favourite), to the rockin' groove of Late in the Evening. Of course, by this stage almost everyone were on their feet!
After a short break he came back, just Paul and a guitar, and simply sung Sound of Silence, you could hear a pin drop. It was beautiful, stunning and emotional. Then the band joined him for Kodachrome, then he soloed on a lovely version of Here Comes the Sun, such a surprise and a gift really. Only to be topped by a rousing rendition of You Can Call Me Al. This is one of those catchy pop songs, but on a closer listen, it is so much more. Great lyrics and great beats, hence the easy transition to pop, but a very funky bass line, soaring horns and a flute bit.
And that's the thing about Simon's music, it is authentic, yet borrows from everywhere. I read he writes the music first and then the lyrics. This explains the intricate words, they need to fit the rhythm. I love his rhythms, but his words have always fascinated me. Some of his lyrics are better than poetry. The twist and wind and fit into the music so intrinsically, you would think they appeared simultaneously by divine intervention. Not many do it well, but he is one of the best.
So, was all that enough...of course not, another encore, this time Graceland, and then a Bo Diddley cover. He says Graceland is the song he is most proud of and I believe it is a masterpiece. Of course, I bastardised his opening line over a decade ago when I saw the Mississippi for the first time. He begins, "The Mississippi Delta is shining like a national guitar", I was like yeah, nuh, more like a slimy, muddy bathtub! It was not a clean river! But seriously, the lyrics in this are stunning. I love "I see losing love is like a window in your heart. And everybody sees you're blown apart" He gets it, for sure!
Then he walks back off the stage, but that can't be it. Some people start to walk out, obviously not seasoned concert goers. Everyone knows you wait until the houselights come on! And of course, he comes back out for the final encore, dragging a reluctant Rufus with him and they attempt The Boxer. I do love The Boxer and whilst I really enjoyed hearing it, it was obvious Rufus has not really rehearsed it and was very nervous. He didn't wreck it, but he shouldn't have attempted it. Nonetheless, it is a powerful song and we all joined in the chorus of lie la lie...
I walked back to the car, the night sky lit by a full moon, still air and songs going round in the head. Lucky and blessed I am to have been able to bear witness to history. And a huge thanks to A and D for letting me tag along, especially to D, who had to put up with A and I getting a little cranky with some rude people behind us!
SET LIST
1. Gumboots (Graceland)
2. Dazzling Blue (So Beautiful or So What)
3. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Still Crazy After All
These Years)
4. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul
Simon)
5. That Was Your mother (Graceland)
6. Hearts and Bones (Hearts and Bones)
7. Mystery Train/Wheels (Junior Park/Chet Atkins
cover)
8. Slip Slidin' Away (Greatest Hits, etc)
9. My Little Town (Simon and Garfunkel non-album track,
Still Crazy After All These Years)
10. The Obvious Child (Rhythm of the
Saints)
11. The Only Living Boy in New York (Simon and
Garfunkel, Bridge Over Troubled Water)
12. Crazy Love, Vol II (Graceland)
13. So Beautiful or So What (So Beautiful or So
What)
14. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
(Graceland)
15. Late in the Evening (One Trick Pony)
Encore
16. The Sound of Silence (Simon and Garfunkel, Sounds of
Silence)
17. Kodachrome/Gone at Last (There Goes Rhymin'
Simon/Still Crazy After All These Years)
18. Here Come the Sun (Beatles/Harrison
cover)
19. You Can Call Me Al (Graceland)
Encore
20. Graceland (Graceland)
21. Pretty Thing (Bo Diddley cover)
22. The Boxer (with Rufus) (Bridge Over Troubled
Water)
Here is a link to the breathtaking version of The Boxer that Paul Simon sang on Saturday Night Live on their first show back after 9/11...
http://en.channel.pandora.tv/channel/video.ptv?ref=em_nom&ch_userid=ssofficer&prgid=34579920&categid=all&page=1
Here is a link to the breathtaking version of The Boxer that Paul Simon sang on Saturday Night Live on their first show back after 9/11...
http://en.channel.pandora.tv/channel/video.ptv?ref=em_nom&ch_userid=ssofficer&prgid=34579920&categid=all&page=1
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3 comments:
Great account - wish I had gone now! :-((
Thanks Simon. He was great, sorry you didn't go.
Paul played a joke on Rufus in this one
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