Customer Reviews

Across America

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In 1984, Art Garfunkel stated walking across the United States of America, I don't know if this is true, but he finally finished in 1996. In this concert, Art sings some of the songs from his days singing with Paul Simon, as Simon & Garfunkel, like El Condor Pasa (If I Could), Homeward Bound, Bridge Over Trouble Water, and Mrs. Robinson. And he does some of his solo songs, mostly a few like A Heart in New York, and he is even joined by his wife and son James, he sings with James The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy). There are 16 songs, and the cd is 50 minutes long. And he does a deut with James Taylor, that happned before or after this concert outside on Ellis Island, where this show is taking place. The musicians are

Eric Weissberg, Guitar, Mandolin, and Bass
Warren Bernhardt, Piano, Rhodes, and Synthesizer
David Biglin, Synthesizer and Vocals
Tommy Igoe Drums and Percussion
Kim Cermak Garfunkel Vocals
Michael Brecker Tenor Sax
James Garfunkel Vocals

Secial guest musician
James Taylor Vocals, and Guitar

So there are all the pefromers that you will see and hear in this concert. The song that James Taylor and Art Garfunkel does a duet on is Crying in the Rain. The first of the songs that are Simon & Garfunkel songs that is sung are here is Scarborough Fair. Garfunkel closes this concert with Goodnight, my love, and opens with A heart in New York. Crying in the rain is track #2, but in the concert it plays between All I Know and Bright Eyes.

The entire DVD is extraordinary. Art's voice is goose-bump gorgeous, his son is adorable, and the duet with James Taylor is wonderful. The entire performance is heartwarming and beautiful; however, the highlight is the song "Grateful". This song alone is worth the price of the DVD!! I've listened to it over and over again. Art's expressions and intonation are convincing that he, too, was deeply touched by this beautiful song written by John Bucchino. I was inspired to purchase this DVD after recently attending the S&G "Old Friends" concert. It served as a reminder of how very much I love Art Garfunkel's expressive warm voice. "Grateful" was recently released as a children's book containing a CD with a special studio recording by Art.

Art Garfunkel has always been one of my favorite solo artists.
That is why I was absolutely flabbergasted to discover "Across America" at my local library. For some strange reason, I was not even aware that this disc was ever released. What makes that all the more remarkable is that my wife and I actually saw him in concert during his '96 summer tour when this "live" recording was made. One can only conclude that this disc was not very widely promoted nor was it an especially big seller.
But none of that matters much. I found "Across America" to be a joyous experience featuring a varied menu of 16 wonderful tunes. Not surprisingly, about half the songs are from Arthur's magical days with Paul Simon. Included are memorable versions of hits like "Homeward Bound", "Scarborough Fair" and "Sounds of Silence". Then of course there is the remarkable "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as only Art Garfunkel can sing it. It still sends chills up and down my spine even to this day! You will also find a number of tunes from Garfunkels solo career including "Bright Eyes" and the haunting "All I Know". Add to that a neat duet with the legendary James Taylor and a memorable version of the Beatles "I Will" and you will begin to understand why I am so enthusiastic about this CD. Art Garfunkel has always been a fan of 1950's rock and roll and doo wop so it is quite appropriate that the disc concludes with his version of the Jesse Belvin classic "Goodnight My Love". Now I am not a big fan of "live" recordings. But "Across America" is the exception to that rule and is destined for a special place on my CD shelf. After a long and difficult day at work I can assure you that this is just what the doctor ordered. So just sit back, relax and enjoy. Whether this disc sold 1000 copies or 10,000,000 it is a winner in my eyes. Highly recommended.

Simply stated, anybody who's a fan of Art Garfunkel (and Paul Simon as well), will not be disappointed. An excellent (and amazingly cheap!) buy.

Art still seems to pining after Paul (tonight I'll play his songs again), but appears to have found a well of insight of his own, nicely works his son into the performance of one of his old tunes, and generally establishes himself as a legitimate solo talent.

Simon and ???
Art Garfunkel, still has to deal with the fact that he was the "other" guy who stood on stage and made all those great records with Paul Simon between 1957 and 1969. Artie, is much more than just the "other" guy, he is a fantasic singer and a great performer in his own right. Go name another pop singer that spent many years walking across America. Art Garfunkel, did accomplish this amazing feat, this gifted man is really something special.

This CD is from two performances at Ellis Island in April 1996. Half of the 16 tracks on this CD are from the sixties and Artie's time as one half of S & G, the others are culled from his wonderful pop records of the seventies and eighties. The band is led by Eric {"Dueling Banjos"} Weisberg and is a brisk mix of guitars, keyboards, saxophone and percussion. Mrs. Kim Cermak Garfunkel: provides vocal harmonies and James Taylor duets with Art on "Crying In The Rain." James Garfunkel, sings a "fuzzy-hair" duet with his dad on the crowd-pleasing classic: "Feelin' Groovy."

I attended one of Art's concerts in 1999, and I was not prepared for the excellence of this performer. We have one of America's greatest voices, right here. Art Garfunkel, should be mentioned along side the finest American vocalists of our time, he is one of the great ones. Yes, we have all listened to: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" a few hundred times since 1969, but it is still something to hear this man sing it. "Bright Eyes" is one of the best pop songs ever produced, "Grateful" is a tune, that I was unaware of, it is magnificent and very moving, why wasn't it a big hit single?

Art Garfunkel, can certainly hold his own on disc, or on the concert stage...here is the evidence. Travel across America, right in your favorite comfortable place, but you can't accomplish that journey without this great CD.
4 Stars!!!

I loved this cd. It has some of the favorites, but many unknown songs. My favorite is Grateful - so beautiful.

I was just looking for another music video to showcase the widescreen and sound system. I grew up with S&G so I was familiar with the songs and wanted to hear them again. This concert sounded like a winner - especially with James Taylor along. I was unprepared and speechless during and after the final song 'Grateful'; it brought me to tears. The piano accompanyment is superb and delicate, the lyrics and their delivery with heart and soul just outstanding. Like other reviews, the old songs are great and done well, his wife and son are wonderful, but 'Grateful' is worth the whole price of the DVD. I listen to it often. Note especially the notes from his diary of his journey...very touching, especially times it takes for things to...change.

THIS WAS A GREAT CD. I LOVE JUST LISTEN TO THIS IT TAKES ME BACK TO MY YOUTH.

I gave 2 star for this CD not because of the musical quality...but because the last song "Goodnight My Love" is cut short on this CD.
After watching the live performance on cable, I rushed out to buy this CD, labeled by Hybrid. Only to find out my favorite song "Goodnight My Love" was cut short. On the CD, it ends with the sax doing a solo then fades away....which leaves the song dangling and unfinished!!! On the video, this song ends with Art singing "bring you closer to me" and the music slowly ends beautifully, correctly.
There's a version out which was released by Sony in 2003. I don't know if this version contains the full song.
The Hybrid Label version is simply ridiculous!!! How can you possibly end such a beautiful song short!! leaving it unfinished....and well....SHORT and listeners wanting more!!!

If someone can verify if the Sony conatins the full "Goodnight My Love"...or tell me where I can get this verson, would really appreciate it.