16,000 Hear Garfunkel and Simon Sing

by Peg Breen, The Glens Falls Times, August 20, 1968

The more than 16,000 Simon and Garfunkel fans who packed the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s amphitheatre last night and made the vast lawn space a beehive of humanity were well-rewarded by 21 of the duo’s precision-perfect songs, performed during the regular program and six generous encores performed in response to the thunderous standing ovation that greeted their scheduled conclusion.

The two performers harmonized their way through each of their hits with an enjoyment and apparent effortlessness that almost understated their technical brilliance.

Garfunkel, described by his partner as “the sex symbol of the group,” appeared to want to fade into the background as he moved from the microphone after a number or stood, hands in pockets, but one soon realized his subtle genius for harmony. When he sang alone, in such pieces as “For Emily, Wherever May Find Her,” he demonstrated a strong, true voice.

Paul Simon’s mastery of lyrics and instrument cannot be overemphasized. He captured all phases of life, in songs ranging from the bouncy, joyous, “59th Street Bridge Song” to “A Most Peculiar Man,” the stark tale of the suicide of a man “who wasn’t like them.”

He displayed a superb knowledge of the guitar in each of his varied, difficult, backings and his performance of the
instrumental, “Angie,” was powerful, despite slight tuning difficulties.

Their selections came from each of their best-selling albums and the program began and ended with the popular
“Mrs. Robinson.”