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Nikki M's avatar

Wow, what a stirring of emotions & memories. I saw Paul Simon in South Africa probably in 1987, he was the first international artist I ever saw & I remember there was lots of controversy regarding the Graceland album at the time. I still consider it a privilege to see someone live and have been to a few concerts that would be considered final tours, very special. Thank you for the story.

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Aaron Everitt's avatar

Thank you for reading. Really was a special night.

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Hugh Myers's avatar

'nobody bigger, or better liked than Paul Simon who was on top for a long time. Thanks for the memories.

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Aaron Everitt's avatar

No one will likely ever have that kind of pull in music again. The industry has changed so much. I was trying to explain to my sons what it was like to wait for music to be released. The build-up on the radio, the standing in line at Rocky Mountain Tapes and Records, the thrill of those first few spins on a record or a tape - Simon was always a mover when it came to music and I loved the show.

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Roxana's avatar

Love it! My husband and I attended a concert on Thursday night with James Raymond, the son of David Crosby. James had organized Songwriter Night with a group of local musicians here in Santa Fe at a small new venue called Unit B. I was so moved by how soul stirring the songs were, and how these individuals managed to write lyrics and music that could be so moving.

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Aaron Everitt's avatar

I will have to check that venue out next time I'm in NM. I love the depth that music creates and how we can become the people within the story so easily. Thank you for reading.

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Roxana's avatar

Yes, "how we become the people within the story so easily", perfect word orchestration Aaron. In that "becoming" I noticed that the boundaries between the duality that is so present these days, just slipped away, we were all humans having challenging human experiences. AND, having the experience together, with all our hearts resonating is part of it. My husband and I would love to meet you if you head into town.

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Jeryl Gardner's avatar

What a great evening to commemorate one of the world's greatest artists and voices. Thank you, Aaron, for both introducing me to a new album, and a walk down memory lane. I was at the Central Park reunion show in 1981. I think there were about 1/2 million of us there. I wasn't able to get very close to the stage, so I chose a tree on the left side of the lawn, climbed up, and watched the entire show from there.

I love the new album, The Lord, and every song. Deeply spiritual and moving! Again, thanks for sharing your evening at the Paramount, and your early memories.

I hear that train a comin', comin' round the bend...

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Aaron Everitt's avatar

I love that you watched it from a tree. That’s a fantastic place to see it!

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Jeryl Gardner's avatar

It was indeed. I was living in New Jersey, took the train up by myself, enjoyed the show, then walked around Central Park, without a fear or care in the world, before heading back to NJ on the late train.

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Aaron Everitt's avatar

It was a great evening and maybe no one helps us recall our youth better than Paul Simon. (There are others, but for done reason his songs apply a vivid fingerprint on my mind)

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Jeryl Gardner's avatar

On mine as well. I have many favorites -bands, artists, shows, venues, but Paul Simon will always be in the top. I was fortunate to see both Jimi and Janis (not together), and those nostalgic times that still ring clarion calls.

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