Paul Simon Best Performance Of The Year

Paul Simon put on one of the best shows of the year Nov. 8 at the Midland.

There have been better shows this year on a technical, musical level. However, as a songwriter, few people have Simon’s skills. The entire evening served as a showcase of skilled songwriting and musical ability.

The Punch Brothers opened the show with a short 30 minute set of progressive bluegrass. The band was led by former Nickel Creek mandolin player Chris Thile. Their set included a version of Roger Miller’s classic “Kansas City Star.” It was a great left-field cover choice. The fast-picking instrumental jams and talented soloing of their set got the crowd on their feet and dancing. It’s always great to see an opening band get such a warm reception from a crowd.

Paul Simon’s voice was strong throughout his two-hour set. His stellar eight piece backing band helped to give his material a more layered sound live. The zydeco-tinged track “The Boy in the Bubble” got the set off to a rocking start. The evening featured a mix of roots music,world music and acoustic tunes, all tied together by Simon’s songwriting skills. The new songs from “So Beautiful or So What,” Simon’s well-received latest album, blended in well with his classic hits.

The sold-out crowd sat in rapt attention all night. Everyone seemed to know they were seeing something special. The night featured six songs from the “Graceland” album. Paul and his band were cracking up during an a capella intro to “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes” before expanding the song into its full African jam-out glory. Simon also broke out some wonderfully awkward, funky dance moves for the “Graceland” tracks. Both “Diamonds” and “Graceland’s” title track had the crowd dancing.

A solo acoustic version of “Sounds of Silence” and a lovely, sprawling version of “The Only Living Boy in New York” balanced out the more rocking, jammier moments. A solo, acoustic cover of George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” was a touching tribute to the former Beatle. A sharp, rollicking version of “Late in the Evening” was also a highlight.
The evening was a unique mix of musical styles that could only come from Paul Simon.

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 and Bones
Mystery Train (Junior Parker cover)
Wheels (Chet Atkins cover)
Slip Sliding Away
Rewrite
Peace Like a River
Obvious Child
Only Living Boy in New York
Love is Eternal Sacred Light
Gumboots

ENCORE

Sounds of Silence
Kodachrome
Here Comes the Sun
Crazy Love Vol. II
Late In the Evening

ENCORE II

Graceland
Oh Pretty Thing (Bo Diddley cover)
Still Crazy After All These Years