By Ken Slauf Guest Writer CHICAGO -- Last night at the United Center, my entire adult life passed before my eyes -- at least all the good parts. This experience was facilitated by Paul Simon on his Homeward Bound: The Farewell Tour. Mr. Simon, 10 years my senior, whose songs have been part of not only my musical consciousness, are woven into the fabric of my life. From strumming late night, alone in a dorm room, along with the car radio, a quiet romantic evening or to playing with band mates, Mr. Simon's lyrical genius hold up a mirror to many of my life's most poignant moments and helped to explain those same emotions where my own words were MIA. In the 2-1/2 hour show, which included two extended encores, Mr. Simon and his deft band of many years ran through hit after hit. Their "live" performance was hardly "like the record" but instead performed with the exuberance that made these songs you know by heart joyfully unfold with the same excitement when you heard them for the first time. Covering over 50 years of songwriting, the back stories gave a glimpse of insight to the songwriting process that has simultaneously enthralled and baffled me how simple human experiences could be expressed with such lyricism. However, it was Mr. Simon, himself, that not only directed this musical reminiscence, but was squarely participating in it. His gratitude to his fans was more than apparent. The ease of performing in the cavernous United Center, with GREAT sound and a minimum of any "effects" save the Jumbo Tron behind him, was genuine and personal. In addition to his hits, he dove deep into the catalog with a couple tunes from Rhythm of the Saints that I had to strain my grey cells to recall. The haunting rendition of the beautiful quirky "Rene and Georgette Magritte", replete with a string, wind and horns ensemble, also included the backstory of the germination of this song at Joan Baez's home while thumbing through a book while she was on the phone.
My own backstory is attending with my old friend, Skip. Almost 40 years ago, we were thrown together in a band and immediately became great friends. In that time, I have played and shared more music with him than probably anyone else I know. Some time back, we decided that in lieu of any gifts, we would find an unexpected concert to take each other to. It has resulted in gems and duds, but all in all nothing I could ever put a price tag on it. It was more than serendipitous that today is his birthday and Mr. Simon obliged with last night's show. Mr. Simon, now Homeward Bound, while no longer going to perform live, vowed a lot more written and recorded music forthcoming. "What else would I do with all THAT much free time?" he mused. I know the feeling. Playing and singing isn't something we musicians "do"; it is who we "are". And because of that I'm feeling quite kindred to Mr. Simon and thankful for this final glimpse into his live world. So long, Mr. Simon. I can't believe your song is gone so soon… so soon. Editor's Note: Ken Slauf sings and plays the guitar in a band called "The Night Hawks", has ran his own successful consulting business, Ken Slauf & Associates, and last year managed the 2017 Musical Invasion of Ireland.
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March 2024
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