Photo:  Autumn Dewilde

It can’t be easy making one’s way in the musical world when you are the spawn of Paul Simon, one of America’s all-time great songwriters.  Hence Harper Simon’s handicap (and advantage) in that world.  Harper released his self-titled album to some acclaim in 2009.  In addition to some stalwart back-up players on the album (Al Perkins, Marc Ribot, Lloyd Green, Steve Gadd, etc.), it can’t be a coincidence that he enlisted the support of other musical-star progeny:  Inara George (Lowell George’s daughter), Petra Haden (Charlie Haden’s daughter), and Sean Lennon (really?).

There are some great songs on the album, including Berkeley Girl and Shooting Star, and a few composed with his father and mother, but our favorite is Wishes and Stars.  The apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree on this song.  With the help of the uncredited Art Garfunkel, Harper manages to conjure and pay tribute to the sweet sound of Simon and Garfunkel.  And maybe, just maybe, he has come to grips with the fact that he was born under a good sign and, though there are “more wishes than stars,” you have to accept when “your whole life’s been blessed.”

Listen to the song below (lyrics included below), and then check out the video of Harper’s rendering of the song live at Largo with America’s most soulful guitar player, David Rawlings (while you’re at it, listen to Harper’s vocals and see if you don’t hear the echoes of another Largo favorite, Tom Brosseau). And then below that are a couple of our favorite Paul Simon songs from his early solo albums (just in case you are amongst the few that aren’t familiar with the phenomenal early solo Simon songs).

Harper Simon–Wishes and Stars

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/04-Wishes-And-Stars.mp3|titles=04 Wishes And Stars]

“Everyone seems so certain
Everyone knows who they are
Everyone’s got a mother and a father
They all seem so sure they’re going far
They all got more friends than they can use

Except me ’cause I’m a fool
I’m as simple as a bee
As a melody in C
But it don’t matter
There are more wishes than stars

Every guest
So pleased with themselves
They’re brimming with success
Their whole life’s been blessed
But it don’t matter

Everyone’s been on a holiday in the sun
Or they just got back from one
All they do is just have fun
They all got more friends than they can use

I’m not too certain about many things
I’m not too sure who I am
I ain’t got no mother and I ain’t got no father
I ain’t got no girlfriend to hold my hand

I’m slow like the trees when they grow
I’m sluggish like the ocean when it moves
I’m plain like water or like rain
But I shouldn’t complain cause it don’t matter

There are more wishes than stars
More wishes than stars”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9lbxR5Hcdw

Paul Simon–Peace Like a River

One of our all-time favorites from stem to stern.  What many don’t know is how great a guitar player Paul Simon was/is.  Check out his great acoustic playing on this song.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Paul-Simon-Peace-Like-A-River.mp3|titles=Paul Simon -Peace Like A River]

Paul Simon–Rene And Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War

Check out the stunning vocals and dynamics on this song.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Paul-Simon-Rene-and-Georgette-Magritte-With-Their-Dog-After-the-War-+-lyrics.mp3|titles=Paul Simon – Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War + lyrics]

Paul Simon–Hearts and Bones

Here’s a love song for the ages.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/12-Hearts-And-Bones.mp3|titles=12 Hearts And Bones]