Haystacks: American Tunes: Love in Hard Times

The Brooklyn Academy of Music hosted a tribute concert to Paul Simon. It was one of the most incredible musical experiences of my life. I believe the best way to review this show is song by song, highlighting each artists. Otherwise, we could be here all night...

American Tune, Another Galaxy, Cecilia: The Roches - This sister act got noticed when Paul Simon used them as background vocalists for his 1973 record, There Goes Rhymin' Simon. Their tight harmonies gave a fullness to the lonely soundscapes of American Tune and Another Galaxy. The most memorable part of their performance for me was the uninhibited dancing during Cecilia; complete abandon.

Graceland, Mother and Child Reunion: Grizzly Bear - I've heard several artists cover Graceland. Grizzly Bear has knocked Willie Nelson off the perch as my favorite. The moody 4 piece band brought a spirituality to it I had never felt before. Magic. Their interpretation of Mother and Child Reunion gets the award for best of the evening. They stripped the song down to a singular, bottom heavy, beat driven mantra. I was amazed at the stark, raw rendering of the upbeat song. It was turned inside out.

Peace Like A River, Nobody, Homeward Bound: Amos Lee - His sweet, simple vocal style speaks to the longing found in every heart. Amos Lee is the 2008 version of the 1965 Paul Simon.

Slip Slidin' Away, Still Crazy After All These Year: Olu Dara - When Olu Dara strode across the stage, the crowd applauded. He took his seat and waited for the crowd to quieten. "You have no idea who I am, " he stated. "Y'all would clap for anybody right now. I'm Olu Dara. Now you can applaud." I confess, I did not know who Olu Dara was, but I could see in the slight, weather figure there were no less than three lifetimes of stories to be told. Olu Dara (whose name means 'God is good), brought out the narrative Simon's work. He is a master storyteller.

America, Silent Eyes, Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Josh Groban - I have no doubt you know who Josh Groban is. He is ubiquitous. Don't discard his talent because you don't care for his choice of material. His voice is, to my untrained ears, flawless. His polished voice felt out of place on America, but his treatment of Silent Eyes was moving and powerful. I never thought anyone could sing Bridge Over Trouble Waters as well as Art Garfunkel (including Paul himself), but I was wrong.

Gone at Last, Duncan, The Boxer, the Sound of Silence: Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings- I am always surprised by how much northerners love southern music. The bluegrass/folk princess brought the house down. (Side note: Gillian is herself a native of Manhattan.) Most impressive in her 4 song set was Duncan. It takes a certain level of self awareness to sing that song without sounding trite. She sailed through it effortlessly. Dave Rawlings gives a depth to any song that normally is accomplished with three or more guitars.

Paul Simon took the stage throughout the show to sing a verse, a chorus or to play guitar. He performed solo on Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard and 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover early in the show. He closed the night out with Mrs. Robinson, Train In the Distance, How Can You Live in the Northeast, Only Living Boy in New York and Late in the Evening. His voice is still strong. His stage presence can silence an audience seconds before or after they erupt into applause. He is generous with the spotlight, sharing the love of the audience with all the performers and bowing, hands clasped before him to the crowd.

I had joked in the weeks leading up to this show that I just couldn't talk about it. I was too excited. Now, having seen Paul Simon live, I find that I really cannot find the words to express my feelings. I was in awe. I still am.

I managed to sneak a few pictures, some video clips and a few audio recordings. Look for those to go up in the next few days.