“We
human beings are tuned such that we crave great melody and great lyrics. And if
somebody writes a great song . . . we as humans are going to feel something for
that and there's going to be a real appreciation.”
– Art Garfunkel
Garfunkel, who turned 76
yesterday,
not only has written some great lyrics and wonderful melodies – particularly as
part of the groundbreaking duo Simon & Garfunkel – but he also has written the new book What Is It All But Luminous (Notes
From an Underground Man).
Just out, it is a terrific view of the folk-rock music
age in which he and Paul Simon grew up and embraced, and a study of the
music world they helped define through their sound. I was fully reminded of their impact again
during the recent airing of the PBS series on Vietnam when their song Sounds of
Silence played in the background during a poignant episode.
Sounds of Silence established their
sound, but perhaps their most lasting and moving song was Bridge Over Troubled Water,
also the title of their massive best-selling album. The song placed Garfunkel squarely at the
center stage during the duo’s performances, although he said he has never been comfortable in that role.
“Paul has more, I think, of a feel
for the stage. Whereas I have it more for the notes themselves. I love record
making and mixing, arranging, producing. That I love. I love to make beautiful
things, but I don't like to perform.” Fortunately for all of us, he did.
From Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981’s
groundbreaking concert in New York City’s Central Park, here is Garfunkel at center state,
performing Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Share A Writer’s
Moment with a friend by clicking the g+1 button below
No comments:
Post a Comment