Friday , March 29 2024
Spend an "Enchanted Evening" getting to know Art Garfunkle's lovely voice, all over again for the first time.

Music Review: Art Garfunkel — Some Enchanted Evening

I’ll admit it. Whenever I’d think of Art Garfunkel, I’d instantly think “Oh yeah, Paul Simon’s partner.” Of course, I certainly understand that such thoughts are not only unfair, but are also something that Art has had to deal with a lot over the years.

Except for the fact that I was given the opportunity to review Art’s new album, Some Enchanted Evening, the entire length and breadth of my experience with his voice and his music has been through his work with his well-known partnership with Mr. Simon. Here the CD is, however, and I’m glad that I’m able to say so.

Some Enchanted Evening is, quite simply, one of the loveliest CDs that I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to, much less review. As it might casually get lumped in with the seemingly endless stream of albums containing standards sung by artists on the downside of their fiery brush with fame, I’ll bravely stand here and say “Yes, sure, but this one is good, dammit!” to anyone who would outright dismiss it into the discount bin containing the 99 volumes of, say, Rod Stewart doing the same.

Who told Rod he could sing standards, by the way?

Art Garfunkel can sing the hell out of standards. With the same amazing voice that he’s always had, it seems, he is able to pluck the heartstrings of anyone and everyone within earshot of a stereo that is playing this album.

It helps, of course, that he selected some of the loveliest songs ever written to sing. In the end, though, I find myself liking this album not because of the songs themselves, but because of the amazing specter of Art’s voice as it floats dreamily above the music and melody.

After the first time I listened to the whole album, I’ll have you know, I immediately grabbed my Simon and Garfunkel box set, and began to listen — really listen — to Art’s part of that particular musical equation… for the first time, really.

If you’ve ever listened and loved anything Art has sung before, then this album won’t tremendously surprise you; it’s lovely, it’s beautiful, and it’s still the same ol’ wonderful Garfunkel voice that it’s always been. It is those of us that have, perhaps, unfairly dismissed him as the “other” voice, that might get a bit extra out Some Enchanted Evening.

Here, for those interested, is the tracklist:

01. I Remember You
02. Someone To Watch Over Me
03. Let's Fall In Love
04. I'm Glad There Is You
05. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
06. Easy Living
07. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
08. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
09. Some Enchanted Evening
10. It Could Happen To You
11. Life Is But A Dream
12. What'll I Do
13. If I Loved You

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