Simon played the first of three concerts in Northern Virginia
Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon took the stage at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on Wednesday night (June 4th) for the first of three performances in the DC region. The musical icon performed his latest album, the short LP Seven Psalms in full, before offering a set of hits and deep cuts.
His first set was marked by beautiful string music and contemplative lyrics. The seven movements ran together as one piece. Simon held the crowd’s attention as he mused on humans’ personal interpretation of God, nature, and life. The bluesy “My Professional Opinion” was a standout in this piece.
Simon reemerged on stage in a ball cap, less steely than during Psalms, relaxed and ready to revel in his hits. He opened the second act with “Graceland” and “Slip, Slidin’ Away.” His wistful voice is still a powerful storytelling instrument.
He drew the Wolf Trap audience into a clap-along during “Train in the Distance,” a song about a marriage breaking up and dissolving the home. Tellingly, he followed that up with a story of a man longing to get home. “Homeward Bound” was the first Simon & Garfunkel number of the night.
Simon is joined on this tour by his wife, Edie Brickell, who featured on two songs in the Psalms section. Those were “The Sacred Harp” and “Wait.” She again joined her husband for “Under African Skies” in the second set.
Simon last toured in 2018, at the time it was billed as his final outing. So, seven years later (which ironically matches the “seven” theme in Seven Psalms) it is a treat to have this storied musician back on stage. And he knows what the people want to hear from him. His best-known songs from his solo catalogue and time with Art Garfunkel were present.
Simon is aided by around eight musicians playing all manner of instruments—from strings, to horns, to various percussion contraptions. While this tour might be called A Quiet Celebration, it is not lacking for fullness of sound.
“Me and Julio Down by the School Yard” closed out the main set, with Edie Brickell again returning. Simon then returned for four more tunes. He closed the show with a haunting acoustic rendition of “The Sound of Silence.” Not a person in the room dared breathe as the number crescendoed.
Paul Simon’s status in culture approaches mythic. But his music remains relatable and emotionally moving. Each song a transportive story, unencumbered by vocal bombast or overplaying. This is his inimitable catalog presented at its finest.
There are two more performances at Wolf Trap on June 5th and 6th. Simon is on a full tour throughout the summer, with demand dictating he sit down in one spot for multiple nights.
