Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Paul Simon-November 13, 2011 Chicago, IL


Last week, I had the privilege of seeing Paul Simon live for the first time. While I put him in the highest regard as a songwriter, admittedly I was not expecting much out of his live performance. Let's just say I was wrong. His show was not just one of the best concerts of the year, but one of the best shows I have seen by anyone. With a band that would rival any on the road at any time, the show was a musical feast from start to finish.

There is something special about seeing a performance from an artist who has been at this for decades. Paul Simon was totally commanding and unafraid the other night to challenge himself and his audience. To hear the melting pot of musical styles merged with the lyrics that only Paul Simon can create was a indescribable joy. At 70 years old, Simon has nothing to prove to anyone, but you wouldn't know it from watching the sheer craftsmanship and joy that was on display in Milwaukee that night. Seeing him play "The Sound of Silence" alone on acoustic guitar was something I will cherish the rest of my days. Thanks Paul!

Luckily for everyone, the next show on his tour from Chicago was broadcast live on WXRT (the best commercial radio in the land). You can stream my recording and/or download it below.....enjoy!

SETLIST
The Boy in the Bubble
Dazzling Blue
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
The Afterlife
Mother and Child Reunion
That Was Your Mother
Hearts & Bones>
Mystery Train> (Junior Parker cover)
Wheels (Chet Atkins cover)
Slip Slidin' Away
Rewrite
Peace Like a River
The Obvious Child
The Only Living Boy in New York
Love Is Eternal Sacred Light
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Gumboots

Encore 1:
The Sound of Silence
Kodachrome>
Gone at Last
Here Comes the Sun
Crazy Love, Vol. II
Late in the Evening

Encore 2:
Graceland>
Pretty Thing (Bo Diddley cover)
Still Crazy After All These Years

Click to download show

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

thanks for this!!!

A