Latest news with #AQuietCelebration
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Paul Simon aging gracefully as latest tour, A Quiet Celebration, arrives in Toronto
Former Raptors all-star DeMar DeRozan shares thoughts about playing in Toronto Pickering boy, 13, in custody after 'sadistic' random slaying of elderly woman Paul Simon aging gracefully as latest tour, A Quiet Celebration, arrives in Toronto There's a fragility and honesty combined with humour and charm about Simon in his current state that makes you want to cheer him on Photo by Jake Edwards (photographer) Article content Paul Simon Massey Hall Thursday night RATING: **** (four out of four) Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account or Sign in without password View more offers Article content Article content Recommended Videos tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Paul Simon aging gracefully as latest tour, A Quiet Celebration, arrives in Toronto Back to video tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video Article content Paul Simon isn't slip slidin' away. On the contrary. The 83-year-old master storyteller — who is aging well in his twilight years — instead personifies the final lyrics in the Simon and Garfunkel classic The Boxer: 'I am leaving, I'm leaving, but the fighter still remains.' In short, Simon, backed by a crack band — including three percussionists and a string section — plus his not-so-secret weapon and wife Edie Brickell (formerly of the New Bohemians) who joined her husband for four songs, wowed on Thursday night at Massey Hall during the second of three shows at the venue, which he described as 'a musician's delight. You can hear everything.' Simon's A Quiet Celebration Tour may describe the tone of his two-hour-and-20-minute show — which sees him playing new songs, classics and deep cuts over multiple nights in intimate venues around North America because of the severe hearing loss he's suffered over the last few years — but it doesn't really do justice to the genuinely moving, sometimes melancholy career-spanning performance that unfolds. Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content There's a fragility and honesty combined with humour and charm about Simon in his current state that makes you want to cheer him on. For example, when people were shouting out requests during the first encore, Simon cheekily chose instead to do a song he said he 'loathes,' Feelin' Groovy, and the audience couldn't get enough of it. It was during the recording of his latest album, Seven Psalms, that Simon began to steadily lose the hearing in his left ear. The condition initially made touring impossible, but with help from the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, and his own production team, Simon redesigned his entire stage setup to make performing work including moving monitors to surround him. The evening began with all 33 minutes of Seven Psalms, a serious, sombre and religious-minded collection of seven songs that segue one into the other as a continuous piece of music starting with My Lord and ending with Wait (the latter for which he was joined by Brickell plus the previous song The Sacred Harp). Your Midday Sun Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Article content Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content #paulsimon sings America @masseyhall. Told us he found America again in Canada, 'a beacon in the dark.' #toronto — Jane Stevenson (@JaneCStevenson) May 30, 2025 Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Then it was time for the mega-hits like the opening verse of America — he explained he'd currently found the best of America in Canada, 'a beacon in the dark,' Graceland, Slip Slidin' Away, Homeward Bound, Under African Skies (with Brickell again), Mother and Child Reunion, Me and Julio Down the Schoolyard, and three encores consisting of Feelin' Groovy, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, The Boxer, which produced lots of singing and clapping, and the show-ending The Sound Of Silence featuring Simon on stage alone with just his acoustic guitar. Me and Julio down by the schoolyard by #paulsimon @masseyhall #toronto — Jane Stevenson (@JaneCStevenson) May 30, 2025 Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The band, meanwhile, which includes Bakithi Kumalo (bass) who's the last remaining band member from the Graceland band sessions, seemed to take as much delight in playing alongside Simon as they did in watching him, along with the rest of us. He is scheduled to play his final Toronto show on Friday night. SETLIST: 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) (INTERMISSION) America (First Verse Only) Graceland Slip Slidin' Away Train in the Distance Homeward Bound #paulsimon is Homeward Bound @masseyhall, which he called 'a musician's delight.' #toronto — Jane Stevenson (@JaneCStevenson) May 30, 2025 Advertisement 7 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The Late Great Johnny Ace St. Judy's Comet Under African Skies (with Edie Brickell) Edie Brickell joins hubby #paulsimon on Under African Skies @masseyhall #toronto — Jane Stevenson (@JaneCStevenson) May 30, 2025 Advertisement 8 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War Rewrite Spirit Voices Mother and Child Reunion #paulsimon classic: Mother and Child Reunion @masseyhall #toronto — Jane Stevenson (@JaneCStevenson) May 30, 2025 Advertisement 9 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (with Edie Brickell whistling) ENCORE: Feelin' Groovy 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover ENCORE 2: The Boxer ENCORE 3: The Sound of Silence (solo without band) Article content Share this article in your social network Read Next
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'A beacon in the darkness': Paul Simon returns to Canada after seven years, defying hearing loss with grace and music
In a return to live performance in Canada after 7 years, Paul Simon graced Toronto's Massey Hall on May 27. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter, renowned for his evocative storytelling and musical innovation, is embarking on his "A Quiet Celebration" tour, a series of intimate performances across North America. Dressed casually in jeans, a ball cap, and a purple jacket, Simon opened his second set with the 1968 classic "America." Before starting his song, he reflected on its themes of division and the search for identity, drawing parallels to contemporary times. "I wrote that song many years ago," he shared, noting its relevance today. He then offered a poignant observation: "I'm happy to report that I've found it. It's here in Canada. You really are a beacon in the darkness at this point." The evening commenced with a full performance of his 2023 album, "Seven Psalms," a contemplative piece exploring spirituality and human connection. Accompanied by a chamber ensemble featuring harmonium, flute, strings, and intricate percussion, Simon delivered the seven-movement composition with a blend of spoken word and song. His wife, singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, joined him for "The Sacred Harp," adding depth to the introspective set. The second half of the concert celebrated Simon's extensive catalog, offering reimagined versions of beloved tracks. Highlights included "Graceland," "Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War," and "The Late Great Johnny Ace," the latter accompanied by visuals of John Lennon, John F. Kennedy, and Johnny Ace. Brickell returned for a whistling solo on "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," adding a playful touch to the evening. Live Events The encore featured fan favorites "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and "The Boxer ," culminating in a solo performance of " The Sound of Silence ." The audience was visibly moved as Simon softly sang, "Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again," bringing the night to a poignant close. Simon, who had previously retired from touring in 2018 due to hearing loss, collaborated with the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss to adapt his performances for optimal acoustics. The "A Quiet Celebration" tour continues with additional dates in Toronto on May 29 and 30, followed by performances in Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, and other cities. Who is Paul Simon? Paul Simon is an iconic American singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics, innovative music, and enduring hits both as a solo artist and as half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel. With classics like 'The Sound of Silence,' 'Graceland,' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' he has shaped popular music for over six decades.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'A beacon in the darkness': Paul Simon returns to Canada after seven years, defying hearing loss with grace and music
Paul Simon, at 83, returned to the Canadian stage after seven years, performing at Toronto's Massey Hall as part of his "A Quiet Celebration" tour. He delivered his 2023 album "Seven Psalms" and reimagined classics, with Edie Brickell joining him. Simon, who addressed hearing loss challenges, concluded the night with a moving rendition of "The Sound of Silence." Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Paul Simon? In a return to live performance in Canada after 7 years, Paul Simon graced Toronto's Massey Hall on May 27. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter, renowned for his evocative storytelling and musical innovation, is embarking on his "A Quiet Celebration" tour, a series of intimate performances across North casually in jeans, a ball cap, and a purple jacket, Simon opened his second set with the 1968 classic "America." Before starting his song, he reflected on its themes of division and the search for identity, drawing parallels to contemporary times. "I wrote that song many years ago," he shared, noting its relevance today. He then offered a poignant observation: "I'm happy to report that I've found it. It's here in Canada. You really are a beacon in the darkness at this point."The evening commenced with a full performance of his 2023 album, "Seven Psalms," a contemplative piece exploring spirituality and human by a chamber ensemble featuring harmonium, flute, strings, and intricate percussion, Simon delivered the seven-movement composition with a blend of spoken word and song. His wife, singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, joined him for "The Sacred Harp," adding depth to the introspective second half of the concert celebrated Simon's extensive catalog, offering reimagined versions of beloved tracks. Highlights included "Graceland," "Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War," and "The Late Great Johnny Ace," the latter accompanied by visuals of John Lennon, John F. Kennedy, and Johnny Ace. Brickell returned for a whistling solo on "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," adding a playful touch to the encore featured fan favorites "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and "The Boxer ," culminating in a solo performance of " The Sound of Silence ." The audience was visibly moved as Simon softly sang, "Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again," bringing the night to a poignant who had previously retired from touring in 2018 due to hearing loss, collaborated with the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss to adapt his performances for optimal "A Quiet Celebration" tour continues with additional dates in Toronto on May 29 and 30, followed by performances in Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, and other Simon is an iconic American singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics, innovative music, and enduring hits both as a solo artist and as half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel. With classics like 'The Sound of Silence,' 'Graceland,' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' he has shaped popular music for over six decades.
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Simon & Garfunkel Mounts A Massive Comeback On The Charts
Paul Simon's return to the stage prompts a wave of Simon & Garfunkel albums and singles to return to ... More the charts in the U.K. 1967-Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, of the Simon & Garfunkel singing team, pose in a standing, waist-up, studio portrait. For years, it seemed like fans had seen the last of Paul Simon playing live. The singer-songwriter, who announced his retirement from the road back in 2018, appeared content to step away from the spotlight. But following the 2023 release of Seven Psalms, the superstar has decided to take one final bow — or at least what feels like it — with a quiet but meaningful run of shows across the U.S. and Canada. The tour, dubbed A Quiet Celebration, started in early April, and it may be having a profound effect on the music charts in the United Kingdom. Simon's catalog, both solo and with his former partner Garfunkel, constantly rack up sales and streams in the United Kingdom, but this frame is especially impressive, as several of his most beloved albums and singles are enjoying a resurgence. Five classic Simon & Garfunkel albums return to the same U.K. chart. It's not necessarily odd for a legacy act to break back onto a ranking with a classic, or, in special weeks, more than one. But a quintet of projects on the same roster shows a huge surge in interest in a short span of time, and with a large number of people. Bridge Over Troubled Water leads the way, reentering the Official Album Downloads chart inside the top 10, settling in at No. 7. It's followed by Greatest Hits (No. 11), The Best of Simon & Garfunkel (No. 29), Live 1969 (No. 62), and The Concert in Central Park (No. 88). The renewed attention around the duo's work isn't limited to full-lengths. A trio of Simon & Garfunkel's most recognizable tracks also rebound. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' 'The Sound of Silence,' and 'The Boxer' all return to the Official Singles Downloads chart this frame. This time around, the three cuts land at Nos. 75, 86, and 98, respectively. While these returning releases are certainly well-known, most of them haven't spent much time on the downloads-only rankings. Of all the albums, only Greatest Hits has enjoyed any real staying power, as it's now spent 54 frames on the Official Album Downloads chart. The three singles, meanwhile, have each managed just two appearances on the Official Singles Downloads tally, including their comebacks this week. It's not just the duo's discography benefiting from Simon's tour. His own solo material is also climbing, with The Ultimate Collection gaining on two different U.K. charts. On the Official Albums Streaming tally, the set jumps from No. 88 to No. 79, as people keep pressing play on his most familiar singles. It also claws its way back onto the primary Official Albums chart, just making the cut at No. 95.
The Guardian
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘The fighter still remains': Paul Simon kicks off comeback tour in New Orleans
Paul Simon largely avoided mention of the health problems that had kept him off the road for the previous seven years when the storied singer-songwriter kicked off his return – and evident farewell – tour in New Orleans on Friday. Yet, having strummed and crooned his way through some of his catalogue's more discreet entries, and having reached a part where he treated the audience to a closing salvo of three of his mega hits, Simon made apparent reference to them by letting some lyrics from The Boxer hang in the air. 'He carries the reminders / of every glove that laid him down / or cut him till he cried out / in his anger and his shame / 'I am leaving, I am leaving,'' Simon sang, before casting a knowing glance at the audience and intoning, 'but the fighter still remains.' That was the moment the opener of what had been billed A Quiet Celebration Tour stopped being quiet. Crowd members who had audibly joked about struggling to stay awake through some of Simon's mellower, deeper cuts joined those around them in collectively belting out the concluding 'lie-la-lie' refrain and a round of cheers that ultimately rivaled the closing standing ovation later. Simon's 19-number turn at New Orleans' Saenger Theater – designed to resemble one of Italy's baroque courtyards – marked his return to touring after announcing in 2018 that he would stop, citing in part the rigors of travel and time away from family. Of course, the 16-time Emmy winner didn't stop creating music. A dream telling him to write Seven Psalms later led to the release of a 33-minute album of that name, which he has described as a contemplation of faith, spirituality and the struggle to maintain belief. But he has said he did consider fully retiring after losing most of the hearing in his left ear while recording Seven Psalms. Embarking on A Quiet Celebration, with plans for 55 shows across 20 North American cities, demonstrated that the 83-year-old opted for at least one final circuit of curtain calls. As had been telegraphed ahead of time, Simon played the entire Seven Psalms album in order without commentary, marked largely by his voice and guitar except for duets with spouse and fellow lyricist Edie Brickell. Then there was an intermission. He traded in the dark business suit that he wore for the Seven Psalms portion for a baseball cap, velvet sports jacket and well-worn gray slacks. And things got palpably bluesier and more upbeat as he delivered on a show-opening promise to spend the post-intermission period on rearranged, more familiar selections from his and the Simon & Garfunkel songbooks, including Graceland, Slip Sliding Away and Homeward Bound. Simon intentionally prevented the second part of the show from becoming a 'best of' compilation. He announced he would toss in some of the lesser-known work he has produced through a career spanning eight decades, though he joked that he knew them well because 'I mean, they're my songs.' But he coupled them with anecdotes about their inspiration. He set up St Judy's Comet – a song he described as one 'I very rarely perform' – by recounting how he named it after Robert St Judy, a drummer in the band led by Clifton Chenier, a zydeco musician from Opelousas, Louisiana, about three hours north-west of New Orleans. He played The Late Great Johnny Ace and explained how he got the idea for it having learned of the 1954 accidental, self-inflicted shooting death of the R&B singer of that name. And, playing Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War, he explained that he came up with it having seen a picture of a surrealist painter with his wife and their pet some time after the second world war. The song title was the caption of the photo. The final three numbers needed no introduction. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and The Boxer elicited sing-alongs that contrasted starkly with the Seven Psalms portion. Then Simon's backing ensemble left him solo for the finale: The Sound of Silence. Concertgoers left pockets of seats here and there in at least parts of the venue empty. One likely factor may simply involve New Orleans having the reputation for last-minute, walk-up crowds while also knowing Simon had a second show scheduled at the Saenger on Saturday. Prices, however, were a talking point in and around the theater among fans. With ticket prices being listed between about $99 and $450, T-shirts inside were $40. Zip-up fleeces were $100. Someone whose water bottle rolled down several rows quipped it was no big deal because it only cost roughly $17. Meanwhile, at least four people in New Orleans' central business district – where the Saenger stands – could be overheard on Friday engaging in gallows humor about their 401(k) retirement accounts being drained after tariffs imposed by the Trump administration upended stock markets. Nonetheless, if that same kind of chatter was any indication, Simon likely hit the right pitch with his mix of selections. Father and daughter Enrique and Yedithza Nunez said they traveled from Sacramento, California, to both visit New Orleans and see Simon play live for the first time during what they called a bucket-list trip. Echoing others in the theater, they viewed listening to Seven Psalms as sort of part of the admission price to then indulge in the music that vaulted the main attraction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and member of Simon & Garfunkel. Married couple Ron and Darlene Moore made the short trip over to the Saenger from their home in New Orleans' Marigny neighborhood to see Simon in person for a third time. They said they had been most looking forward to seeing him play Seven Psalms live, having already taken in his more commercially successessful material. 'I do like the old pieces,' Darlene Moore said. 'But I love how he evolves.'
