Simon & Garfunkel Live At Kraft Hall 1968

For the last several days I have been watching live performances of Simon & Garfunkel from back in the 60's. The one I am particularly fond of is the live at Kraft Music Hall from 1968:




There are several 10-20 minute performances of theirs from around the world on YouTube but I especially like this one because there is a beautiful reverb that paints each song here. And two of my all-time favorite S&G songs are here: For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her & Patterns.

My first listening experience with "For Emily..." was the version on the 1972 best of collection. It was a live version and I was somewhat annoyed with live versions of songs on hits packages where I expected familiar studio recordings. Not really knowing this song meant it wasn't too burdensome for me to listen to it, but there were other songs on this album that I did know and was disappointed to hear live versions taking the seat of the ones I knew.

Mind you I was much younger then--in junior high, high school even--so I did not care too much for unfamiliar slow songs. But over the years "For Emily..." has grown deeply on me and has become a must-have S&G song. It is this live version from 1969, however, that is the penultimate classic for me. The original album version plays like a completely different song with more instruments and effects. This live version is Garfunkel's solo vocal with Simon's 12-string acoustic guitar and it is absolutely splendid!

A few days ago I decided to see if there was a live version video of this song on YouTube since so many wonderful things are now available on there to watch. To my surprise I came across this Kraft Hall version and I fell in love all over again. While the sonic fidelity may not be pleasing to many, I found it to be perfectly uplifting with an aforementioned large-hall reverb effect that added so much to the song. The sound source is from a mono film camera so there's plenty of noise and a flat, unequalized response. But that is good enough for me. Perfect even. I would eschew hi-fidelity, multi-track stereo any day for beautiful sounds captured by a single microphone and some wonderful, natural reverb.

To add to this wonderful live version of "For Emily...", there are some subtle strings which poke through just before the third verse. Just makes the song even more beautiful.

Watching this video also led me to learn the guitar intro to it and realize that the guitar solo in the middle is not as terribly complicated as the live '69 version had me believe all these years.

Among the other black & white videos I found of theirs was another where "For Emily..." was performed. While it was another fantastic rendition, there was absolutely no reverb and I just gotta have my fix of reverb otherwise it sounds too close and intimate. The only benefit to the no-reverb version is that you can hear every nuance of Garfunkel's effortless voice vibrato.

I only wish that this S&G Kraft Hall performance were longer. Would love to hear a few other of my favorites done there, including "Blessed", "A Hazy Shade of Winter" and "Scarborough Fair."

But there is one more performance I really enjoyed from this set. "Patterns" became a favorite song of mine the first time I heard it way back in my cassette days. And to hear them sing it here over the studio backing track is nothing short of what I define as the pinnacle sound of 60's pop/rock music. Once again that natural reverb sounds gorgeous and even adds an element of eeriness combined with the largely dark lyrics. Sound quality not an issue for me. Yes, it's not what I consider to be ideal but in my opinion a little de-hissing would be sufficient. In fact, it's the lo-fi-ness of the recording that makes it sonically more appealing to me. In this era of overproduction and limitless sonic technological improvements, there is much to be said about the simplicity of basic recording techniques and analog equipment.

I recommend watching the entire 19-minute performance but if the desire is to only see the ones I've written about, here they are:




Beware of other versions out there. Some YouTube users take the video, remove the original audio and superimpose audio from another source, usually a cd. I'm not a fan of this. I say leave the original audio in place no matter how bad it may sound to your ears. Some of us enjoy lo-fi!

And here is one that I uploaded myself:

A Growing Christmas Music Library

I have acquired some new additions to my Christmas music library in 2016. It's a mix of stuff I have found at secondhand stores and others bought and shared online. Here are some of my finds:

- The Soulful Strings - The Magic of Christmas
- The King Family Christmas
- Jack Jones Christmas (1969)
- Paul Revere & The Raiders - A Christmas Present...and Past
- Jingle Bell Jazz
- Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers Christmas
- Barry Manilow - Because It's Christmas
- The Blenders - Ring the Christmas Bells
- The Avalanches - Ski Surfin'
- Lynn Anderson - The Christmas Album

And I am still adding selections to my library. Already in 2017 I have added:

The Torero Band - Tijuana Christmas (1968)
The Hollyridge Strings - Christmas Favorites (1965)
Rotary Connection - Peace (1968)

I am also still indulging in holiday music.

I am by no means any kind of a record collector. I may be a music collector but I'm not necessarily interested in having the physical media on which the music came from. I have purchased over 200 LPs over the last several years at thrift stores. The main purpose was to record them into mp3 files. I'd say 90% of these records I have no interest in keeping. They are by no means rare or anything out of the ordinary. But I have found some that I plan to keep and some I will try to sell others on ebay. Most will be in crates at a future garage sale.

So I came across some pretty good stuff for this year. I do keep an eye out for holiday records at the stores I go to. But it's not an obsession with me.

I would love to come across something so rare and so good-sounding that no one has ever heard before. Better yet, I would love to make something like that. Making your own recording is really the only way to guarantee that no one else has a copy or has even heard it before. Since I do make my own music that is a real possibility for me. And I have decided that I will spend 2017 making Christmas & seasonal music, both original tunes and standards.

Songs for the Christmas Season 30

According to Wikipedia, the Christmas season is described as the period of time that includes Christmas and New Year's and even to the day of Epiphany which is usually on January 6 or 7. So I continue on with more holiday music.

First today we have Etta Jones with "Ring the Bells". A very nice holiday original which I have played annually since first hearing the song back in the 90's.





Next is a great seasonal favorite called "It's a Marshmallow World." This version is from 1964 and it's by Brenda Lee and it's one of my favorite takes. I love the little electronic piano or harpsichord sound in the first part of the song.

Songs for the Christmas Season 29

Let's keep the Christmas music going, ay? First up today is The Band doing their song, "Christmas Must Be Tonight," featuring the lead vocals of Rick Danko.





To follow that up will be another one from my own channel, The Dellacroce Sisters doing "Who is Santa Claus?" Definitely a fun tund and in the Christmas spirit.

Andy Cirzan Christmas Mix: The Cassette Years Part 2 (2009)

Here's a little Christmas treat. Last year I started to upload episodes of "The Christmas Club with Johnny & Andy" but as I listened to the episodes I noticed some had segments that were clearly lifted from past shows. I don't know if this was done by J&A or by the station that played their shows. Thus I gave up on that endeavor. In addition, for 2015 and this year their show has been picked up by another station and as a result of not knowing ahead of time, I missed both shows. Luckily I downloaded the unique annual mixes that Andy puts out every year for about the last 8-10 years or so. These mixes are made available for free download for a few weeks and then they are taken down. I'm in the process of uploading the shows I have to mixcloud and I will make them available here. I know, it's Christmas Day today so I'm a little late, but if you're anything like me you will continue to listen to Christmas music well into the winter season. Sides A & B are below for your listening pleasure.

Songs for the Christmas Season 28

First up today is another great one from Smokey Robinson & The Miracles called "It's Christmas Time" from 1970.

We'll follow that one up with a very old recording. It's called "On a Christmas Day" by Lead Belly from 1942.

Songs for the Christmas Season 27

For today's post I'm taking a couple of songs directly from my very own YouTube channel. First up is a hard-to-find song by The Smothers Brothers called "The Toy Song" from 1965.





And next is a newer recording (just a few years old) by Roman Coppola. Though the tracks from this album are from this decade they could pass for music recording in the mid to late 60's. Very much in the vein of David Holmes style and very groovy.

Songs for the Christmas Season 26

Kenny Burrell is one of my favorite all-time guitarists and it's hard to just pick one of his Christmas recordings. The tune that first introduced me to him was "My Favorite Things" from 1966 and there was no looking back afterwards.






Next is a groovy, R&B number by Jimmy Jones and His Valiants called "Christmas is a Drag (Without You). This is a definitely a forgotten holiday favorite.

Songs for the Christmas Season 25

A couple of less-familiar holiday songs today. First up is Chris de Burgh's "A Spaceman Came Travelling" which tells the story of the Christ child. Great song from 1975!





Next is one by Edd "Kookie" Byrnes from 1959. Very cool sounding and jazzy, like something you might hear during a film noir flick or perhaps some Peter Gunn. It's basically the tale of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" told in a very 'hip' style.

Songs for the Christmas Season 24

First up today is a not-so-jolly view of Christmas time. Perhaps a more realistic view but not a cheery song nonetheless. Still a good one that makes you think a bit. It's by Bobby Goldsboro and it's called "Look Around You It's Christmas."






Next is Burl Ives with "Christmas Child (Loo Loo Loo)." Perhaps not a well known holiday staple but it serves a very nice message and is a pleasant recording.

Songs for the Christmas Season 23

Some winter-themed holiday/seasonal songs today. Both songs are from holiday television specials of the 1960's. I love these old songs because they are so light-hearted in nature and just meant for fun and cheer. First is Andy Williams doing "The Skater's Waltz". I'm not sure if this song has ever been recorded other than for this program so pardon the lo-fi sonics.





Next is one from The Lawrence Welk show and a very pleasant tune at that featuring vocal group The Blenders. This is another number very hard to find unless you have the original Welk record. Watch the video for some cool choreography.

Songs for the Christmas Season 22

As we get into the final week before Christmas, I will continue to post some of my all time favorite holiday recordings, sans any type of theme to tie the songs together. First up is one of my all-time favorite versions of "What Child is This" by Vanessa Williams. Such a haunting version with some jazzy guitar.




Next is Perry Como with a unique Christmas tune which may be considered obscure these days. Shame though because the song really embodies the spirit of Christmas from the gentle melody to the children's choir and the European style of the music.

Songs for the Christmas Season 21

Today's selections feature some well-known pop/easy-listening crooners doing their own interpretations of Christmas songs. First we have Ed Ames doing what is probably my favorite version of "Some Children See Him" from 1970.





And next is Jack Jones from his 1969 Christmas album with an uptempo Gospel version of "Little Altar Boy."

Songs for the Christmas Season 20

Once again we will check out some jazz Christmas tunes for this post. First up is "Deck the Halls" by Teo Macero & His Orchestra. I always thought this song was by Herbie Hancock but you learn something new everyday.






And next is "Little Drummer Boy" by Duke Pearson from 1969. This is a great version!

Songs for the Christmas Season 19

Today I'm featuring some newer and perhaps lesser known songs for the season. First is a comtemporary folk song by Maria Dunn called, "God Bless Us Everyone." It's a moving song and the lyrics merit close attention.





Next is a jazzy, tongue-in-cheek song by Michael Franks titled, "I Bought You a Plastic Star (For Your Aluminum Tree)."
Note: this is the best version I could find online. Unfortunately it doesn't sound all that great and is rather loud.

Songs for the Christmas Season 17

Some of that early 1970's pop/rock sound for our selections today. First, we have The Osmond Brothers with "Sleigh Ride." No, not the familiar holiday tune but an original from them.






And next is The Partridge Family with their take on "Winter Wonderland." Just in case you didn't know, The Partridge Family did not really play anything on this song. Keith Partridge, aka David Cassidy, did sing the lead though.

Songs for the Christmas Season 16

A couple of instrumental holiday songs today. First up is a very smooth, jazz version of "Silver Bells" by Kevin Eubanks on acoustic guitar.






And next is another jazz artist, the Ramsey Lewis Trio, with I believe an original composition called "Christmas Blues."

Songs for the Christmas Season 15

Some soulful tunes for this blog post. First up is my favorite version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Ray Charles. There is just no funkier version of this song that I know of!






And next is Ella Fitzgerald with "Good Morning Blues" from her 1960 Christmas album.

Songs for the Christmas Season 14

Today we have a couple of country classics, the first by Willie featuring his original tune, "Pretty Paper." This is his original version from 1964.





Next up is a Buck Owens classic, "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" from 1965.

Songs for the Christmas Season 13

Today we'll go with some classic rock Christmas tunes that are true holiday staples. First we have Elton John's "Step Into Christmas" from 1973.






Next is a blues number that The Eagles made even more popular than the original by Charles Brown. The song is "Please Come Home for Christmas."