Tonight on PBS, a concert of Paul Simon being honored with Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The concert was so fantastic. Firstly James Taylor sang not one but two songs (Slip Slidin' Away (a personal favorite) and Still Crazy After All These Years. ) Both were really good versions because he blended his own style with Paul Simon's style (and I like to think that two of my favorite artists like James Taylor and Paul Simon are pals). Secondly, Alison Krauss performed this nice folky slower version of "Graceland" (again one of my favorites!) with a steel guitar. Art Garfunkel showed up to sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Paul as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo to sing "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" which made me cry because I remember riding in the red Suburban listening to the Graceland album on tape. I love Paul Simon because he integrates different music style into his songs to seamlessly.
CONNIE: You know, Bobby, there are some days of the month I don't like to ride a bike either.
BOBBY: You mean because you got your period?
CONNIE: I chose not to use that word.
BOBBY: Why? It's a natural, beautiful thing.
CONNIE: You don't understand. You're not there yet.
BOBBY: You better check the map, honey, because I am living in downtown there!
1 comment:
It WAS a great concert - until Paul started singing! "Diamonds" was fun to watch, but I think he has to strain to sing alone (or with Artie) and I hated to see him struggle. JT and Alison certainly made it clear why Mr. Simon deserves the first Gershwim Prize. (but George - nor Ira - ever performed their own songs...) Glad you caught the concert - I almost called you to make sure you saw it - but then I thought it might not be on at the same time in Iowa. Love you...
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