Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert in Central Park [DVD] [1981]

I do not have the habit of writing about myself, but now I am obliged to do so, because ‘Concert in Central Park’ possesses an immeasurable amount of personal value to me.

It really took an unreasonably long time to convert ‘Concert in Central Park’ into a DVD. The product does not have any real extras, but the content speaks for itself. The additions (in respect of LP and CD) of ‘Late in the Evening (reprise)’ and the first-ever performance of Simon’s solo ‘The Late Great Johnny Ace’ alone make this DVD a piece of popular music history. Paul’s wild shriek just before the band cuts into the crowd-inciting rumba sequence of ‘Late in the Evening (reprise)’ is pure rock & roll power. And yes, the angry spectator’s stage invasion is there in the middle of ‘Johnny Ace’.

Interestingly enough, there are some differences to be heard in the music. Intros to some songs are longer than on LP/CD and a few harmonies sound more authentic on this DVD. Some short between-songs announcements are cut out and, unfortunately, Paul’s opening speech after ‘Homeward Bound’ is shortened somewhat. I do not know if it is only me, but I think that mixing is more sophisticated here. In addition to singing of the headliners, you can also fully enjoy (not to underestimate anybody’s input) the fine guitars of David Brown and Pete Carr, the groovy drums of Paul’s trusted man Steve Gadd as well as the dominant keyboard-playing of another cohort Richard Tee. Essentially, the introduction of the superb band is included in the film just before the very last song.

The friction between Paul and Art is no secret, and it is at places visible in this concert as well. They have little direct contact during the set, and the occasional back-patting seems a bit constrained. During Paul’s solo numbers, Art sits at the back and looks uneasy. Paul also seems to make a little fun of Art a couple of times: for example, Art’s less-than-deep one-liner ‘I’m so in the mood’ prior to the glorious ‘American Tune’ causes Paul to make faces that imply something else than infinite respect to his long-time partner.

The performers, luckily, concentrate on the music and do few tricks to woo the audience. In the end of a touching neighbourhood tune ‘A Heart in New York’, Art does a Statue of Liberty routine. It is no artistic triumph as such but inspires the crowd into a mighty roar.

Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Concert in Central Park’ is definitely one of the most important individual concerts in the history of popular music. Although it now turns out the music had gone through some tidying-up when released on LP, the songs are in the starring role. Skilful camera work and successful sound reproduction make the concert a comprehensive and a most enjoyable experience on the screen, too.

The set was almost identical to the concert they performed at Wembley Stadium a year later, which ranks as one of my favourite concerts of all time. I can still remember the ovation Garfunkel received after completing Bridge Over Troubled Water. His version in Central Park is just as good.

Buy this DVD and play it to your grandchildren in 40 years. It's a piece of history.