by Andrew Calvio

Paul Simon held A Quiet Celebration for a 3-night residency at Bass Music Hall that spanned his impressive 60+ year career. The stage was set with a fantastic display of various musical instruments that resembled a percussionist’s playground. There were strings and winds strategically placed for this small symphony to create all the sounds that are common in many of Simon’s songs.

The night began with the live debut of the uninterrupted play through of Seven Psalms. Simon wrote the album with the intention that the listener consumes the entire album in one sitting. As the title suggests, it is a very spiritually connected album that dives into the understanding and acceptance of one’s own mortality. Taken for face value, the casual listener may find the album to be too somber. Admittedly, I didn’t pay much attention to it before stepping into the theater. Paul Simon and his musicians brought the album front and center and really explored the emotions tied to the lyrics.

The simple stage lighting was cued in perfectly at all the right times highlighting the different instruments just long enough to draw attention before refocusing back to Simon. He is a master musician that has an ear for greatness as he so casually conducted the accompanists with subtle hand gestures. Edie Brickell joined for the last two songs to trade harmonies and added a soft touch to an already intimate night. The final song of the first set “Wait” is a beautifully written song that is so hard to hear and keep a dry eye. Watching husband and wife sing to each other knowing that the work will soon be complete brought out all the emotions and appreciation for an impressive career.

The second set was where Simon said he would “tolerate some hits that I can still stand singing.” At 83 years old, Simon does not quite have the same energy that once was, but his voice is undeniably his. As a fan, sometimes you get to do things that you never ever thought would happen. Harmonizing with Paul Simon to “Homeward Bound” was another one of those times for me.

Throughout the night, the audience respectfully kept the focus on the musicians and didn’t try to oversing as is custom at many concerts nowadays. Midway through the set, Simon called out Edie Brickell once again but as she stepped out, she said “I wasn’t ready.” He acknowledged the mistake by saying he skipped a song then followed with “There is nothing about my memory that is as keen as it was… ever, so I know you’ll appreciate this. Thank you Toronto!”

They then rolled into “Under African Skies” from the Graceland album with Bakithi Kumalo, the last surviving member of that time period’s band. The set closed with a crowd pleasing version of “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” that had everyone singing and clapping along.

The night ended on a high with a full band encore of “Father and Daughter” and “The Boxer.” As the band took their final bows, Simon stayed center stage as all the lights descended on him creating a perfect ambiance for the opening line “Hello darkness my old friend.” It was a great moment that closed this very personal show with a classic introspection of life.

Set list

Set 1:

Seven Psalms
The Lord
Love Is Like a Braid
My Professional Opinion
Your Forgiveness
Trail of Volcanoes
The Sacred Harp (with Edie Brickell)
Wait (with Edie Brickell)

Set 2:
Graceland
Slip Slidin’ Away
Train In The Distance
Homeward Bound
The Late Great Johnny Ace
Under African Skies (with Edie Brickell)
St. Judy’s Comet
Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War
Spirit Voices
Mother And Child Reunion
Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard

Encore 1:
Father And Daughter
The Boxer

Encore 2:
The Sound of Silence