Live 1969

Simon & Garfunkel would soon go their separate ways but for these performances, recorded just after the recording but before the release of their final album Bridge Over Troubled Water, the duo sound as harmonious as ever. They’re occasionally supported by a crack back-up group of musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including drummer Hal Blaine and keyboardist Larry Knetchel (later of Bread fame), but most tracks settle on just Simon’s acoustic guitar and the duo’s vocals. Simon’s later compositions, “Song for the Asking,” “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” all new to the ears of their audience, show the incredible growth and scope of his own already substantial talents. The older material is equally gripping: audience pleasers “Homeward Bound, “The Sound of Silence,” “I Am a Rock,” “Leaves That Are Green” and “Kathy’s Song” are all clear standards. The recordings were intended for a live album, so producer Roy Halee ensures an impeccable sound throughout. The only wonder is that it took four decades to see this release considering the high caliber of the recording and material.