Art Garfunkel captures hearts again at City Winery in New York City. Line by line, tune by tune, he delivers a stunning vocal that transcends people's hearts and minds and lifts off into the ether. Keep in mind, this is such a man who had lost his voice seven years ago. This reviewer was lucky to see him in early January before said event happened. Highlights from the concert include "A Real Emotional Girl," "The Boxer," "Heart In New York/All I Know medley," "99 Miles Form L.A."and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Experiences like these are to remind us of the joyousness of music, how it reaches into our minds and takes us away from the mundane cares of this world and this life. The Lord knows that there are many times in which we need a break from such caring. It is the voice that makes us long for this taking away of the mundane cares of the world.
Art's voice is one such voice that takes us back into the realms of time when records were made and they were beautiful. Art's voice is that voice of longing. From line to line he caresses the audience with his glorious vocals as it returns. Everybody appears to be in good voice, in good spirits, in good health and cheerful at the moment. There's one point and the concert where Artie discusses how he's not quite sure he can perform "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to the maximum performance, but a couple of audience members say that they'll help him and coax him to sing the song. He interacts with them saying, "Now this is a wonderful, nurturing momma talking," to much laughter. He then proceeds to do the song. It was a magical night with a magical human being.
There were some moments where his voice fluctuated in tune, but on the whole, he was in peak performance and the atmosphere was perfect. He gave the crowd his best show. Every show has peaks and valleys, but for the most part, this show was one big peak. Even the song “Perfect Moment” was well voiced treat. It is his best gift and joy to sing for people for he says that he is sung for cows all his life. His son even graced the stage with his take on the song “Smile.” It was really well-done. It Is a wish of mine to go see Art Garfunkel again. He is since performed at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. There's a link to that on YouTube. This performance is also on YouTube in various installments. It gives us the joy to behold what is possible.
