For years I been curious about the relationship between Singer Art Garfunkel and Jimmy Webb the composer. Jimmy Webb is the famous composer such hits as “Galveston” “MacArthur Park” All I Know” and many others. The peace in question on the YouTube video attached to this article is “All I Know.” Jimmy (or what I believe is Jimmy) does a fabulous wide-style piano introduction. Art follows up on this intro that soars like he is known for in surprisingly great fashion. Note that Art had some trouble with his vocal chords for years and now he is back in the middle of his 2017 tour and invited to take part in this very special concert event. It was to honor the music of Jimmy Webb.
Arty's voice captivates the audience all the way through in the choruses and in the bridge where it says "When the singer's gone, let the song go on.” The whole show is a testament to true artistry.The whole performance is simply magical. Reviewers have given mixed ratings to the performance from the fabulous to the not-so fabulous. For a man of his age (he is 75), he did really well on this fitting tribute to the songwriter he loved so much.
Sure this performance is not like in the 70s when Garfunkel first recorded it, but there are exciting traces of the rock idol’s voice still in the song. The passion for the song is indeed still there. He knows how to take the song and really make it sing out with passion. The song’s arrangement is flourishing with every bit of color known to man. The band grooves great and the anticipation of something much bigger is always there, always possible.
I’m surprised hey didn’t include a version of “Skywriter,” another song that was written for Garfunkel. This would be a great addition to the concert. Anyway, Garfunkel does a fabulous job, and in fact, his voice seems stronger than in some other performances that I have witnessed in the last few weeks. It’s a job well done to him. Two thumbs up. It makes me wonder if Garfunkel will change his mind about making a new album. Who knows, but thank you to the viewer who put this performance up of this classic song of many. It makes me excited for the next round of Art Garfunkel performances that are set to come in the summer!
