We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago……
After 6 years of making a bushel full of great music with his partner, Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon released his self-titled solo debut in early 1972.
The album is filled with Simon’s introspective, acoustic based songs, but also included a number of cuts that tasted the “world”music he had been exploring for years. (Remember El Condor Pasa?)
These songs ranged from the glorious reggae drenched first single “Mother & Child Reunion” recorded in Jamaica…to the South American flutes of Los Incas featured on “Duncan” ( a great ‘story”song), to the Latin tinged guitar of “Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard”.
The album features contributions from far & wide…Stephane Grappelli (plays some great violin on Hobo’s Blues), Airto and Ron Carter…to member of the Wrecking Crew including Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel (moonlighting from Bread), & Joe Osborn. Fred Lipsius from Blood Sweat & Tears chimes in with his alto sax, Mike Manieri brought his vibes and Charlie McCoy his harmonica.
But as solid as the playing is…it’s Simon’s songs and his voice that drive this. He and Artie made some fine music…but Simon was talented enough to make his own way, which he would for years after.
Most of the critics loved it including noted curmudgeon Robert Christgau who wrote in The Village Voice, “this is the only thing in the universe to make me positively happy in the first two weeks of February 1972.”
Simon could be moody and dark but also whimsical and light…this LP shows both sides of his musical personality. Enjoy!
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