Just easing myself into Rocktober here. I’ll do some more polished stuff, but for the moment I set up a mic and did a one-take with a classical guitar. I’ve always been a bit intimidated by the genius of the songwriting and production on this track, it just all seems so effortlessly perfect. So maybe doing it like this (i.e. rough and ready!) is the best way to overcome my terror of even daring to attempt to play it…
Lovely! Btw, I like rough and ready - nice to really hear the artist.
with a song like this, it is the music that draws one in, that keeps us engaged. paul simon is not the most charismatic performer, but his songs are so good that it doesnt matter. i was watcing a video of a recent concert and his voice was not in the best shape, but he sang the songs and received excellent support from the band and his fans were enthralled. listening to your version, much as i love your performing style, it was the song itself that triumphed. you played it beautifully, but the beauty was already there. ive heard many fawmers say they could listen to you sing the phone book, and i myself have enjoyed countless hours listening to you play and sing…and the quality of the material ranged from average to brilliant…but your charismatic performance always raised the quality of the material. here, i find your performance at an even level with the song. you do it justice, more than justice actually…but it is the inherent beauty of the song itself, more than its stellar interpretation, that kept me spellbound throughout.
Very fair point man - it’s such an insanely beautiful song, and the chord progression is actually pretty complex, so I suspect you can hear a bit of uncertainty in the playing/singing. Anyway, something to blow the covers cobwebs out I guess!! Cheers!
Not sure I can put it any better than Bill has already.
It took me a long time to ‘get’ Paul Simon as a songwriter because I always found his delivery a little uninspiring. But when I’ve tried to learn his songs or even sing along in the car I never come close to doing them justice, and you have made this song come alive in a new way for me.
Lovely take on a wonderful song.
Love the classical guitar sound! When it’s just a vox and guitar that is as organic of a performance as you can get…well done Mr. Taro
I like this. What an excellent guitar part. Very good indeed.
I like the simplicity of the 1-mic 1-take which shows both your skilled performance of the song and the depth of Simon’s songwriting. Truly one of the great songs, performed by one of the great FAWMstars!
I think Paul Simon is one of the all-time greats, songwriting-wise, so this stripped down version, with your raw, emotive vocals and great guitar work works so well, to me. No fear, my friend! This is a great cover.
Great job getting around all those chords! I’ve always loved the progression of this song.
You played that beautifully and the vocals are sweet and raw at the same time. Captivating!
Huge Paul Simon fan here, and I know this song very well. Amazing guitar work David - you jazzed it up for sure! It is so lovely to hear your wonderful expressive vocals with just the guitar - it feels like I am at a David solo concert. You really took the bridge to new places - wow. Great cover!