Paul Simon's Farewell Concert at MSG - Don't Miss this Legendary Artist Slip Sliding Away

New York's own legendary songwriter & recording artist Paul Simon (b Queens 1941) played to an adoring hometown crowd at MSG last night on his farewell tour.  Simon & his expansive group of musicians & vocalists extraordinaire took to the stage with little fanfare.  Simon was much at ease exuding infectious good humor.  He paid tribute to his longtime bandmate guitarist Vincent Nguini with whom he collaborated for decades and to the great Aretha Franklin.  "I see my farewell concert banner but I don't want this to be a memorial.  I'll still be writing music but I'm going to take some time for myself to see what's going on in the world."  Perhaps this septuagenarian who showed no signs of slowing down is thinking homeward bound to where his thoughts are escaping.  Simon's career covers 6 decades & his musical styles span the Queensborough Bridge in addition to his folk,  rock & folk-rock recordings  He reclaimed "Bridge Over Trouble Waters" a song 1st recorded with "Artie."  "It came to me pretty quickly and I thought, you know, it was pretty good."  Simon favored the crowd with some of his memorable recordings but this was not a greatest hit concert.  Paul remained onstage for 2 hours+ singing and playing numerous acoustic guitars.  Simon performed songs from his just released album "In the Blue Light" affirming artistic evolution of a one of the most gifted singer/songwriter poet of our generation.  The average age of concert goers must have been in the 60s.  This was no average concert.  The multinational musical influences included Africa, Jamaica and Brazil to name a few.  The musical styles played went from folk, to gospel, to reggae to jazz without a slip in mastery.  Paul's musical genius was amplified by his group of talented musicians including Nigerian born guitarist Biodun Kurti, an accordion aficionado, Mark Stewart on guitar, cello & sax, and a 6 piece chamber string and brass group performing on "Rene & Georgette Magritte with Their Dogs after the War."  Paul said the title came from a book of photos he was looking at while working with Joan Baez at her home.  It just so happened Ms. Baez was in the house.  Paul asked for a spotlight on Joan.  She was spotted in the nosebleed section and we were all somewhat surprised.  "Ghee, sorry about the bad seats" Paul quipped.  It was disappointing Ms. Baez didn't join him on stage.  But then she has her own fare thee well tour.   Paul demonstrated some fleet footwork and unrestrained pleasure highlighting his fellow artists onstage.  Paul Simon's concert was spectacular memorable & one for the ages.  Don't squander any resistance to see one of his last live performances.  "All lies and jest, Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest."