Paul Simons Wild Musical Mind - 'Still Crazy After All These Years' | Vocal Coach & Musical Analysis

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🎵 Vocal Coach Reacts | Paul Simon - "Still Crazy After All These Years" | Vocal & Musical Analysis

In this in-depth analysis, Beth Roars break down Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years"—a beautiful blend of jazz, folk, and rock. We’ll explore the clever use of rhythmic phrasing, intricate chord choices, and the emotional nuance in Simon’s voice. Plus, we’ll dive into Michael Brecker's iconic saxophone solo and its contribution to the song’s emotional depth. This episode also compares Simon's gritty vocal style with Art Garfunkel's smoother sound and examines how Simon's vocals evolved as his voice matured.

Highlights of this episode:

- Jazz & Folk Fusion: Discover Simon’s masterful balance of these genres.
- Michael Brecker's Sax Solo: Learn how this legendary musician added soul and texture to the track.
- Vocal Techniques: We analyze how Paul Simon adapts his voice as he ages and his preference for feeling over melody.

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📝 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Patron Vote Winner
01:28 Analyzing Paul Simon's Vocal Style
01:44 Musical Elements and Jazz Influences
02:01 Paul Simon's Rhythmic Techniques
02:19 Interview Clip and Musical Insights
02:32 Exploring Chord Choices
02:57 Performance Analysis
07:06 Comparing Vocal Techniques
08:59 Sax Solo and Emotional Depth
11:54 Final Thoughts
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🎤 Song Credits:
Songwriter: Paul Simon
Producer: Paul Simon, Phil Ramone
Genre: Soft rock
Performed by Paul Simon
Date and Location: September 19, 1981, Central Park, New York City.
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Twitter: @bethroars
Instagram: @bethroars
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#PaulSimon #StillCrazyAfterAllTheseYears #VocalCoach #SaxSolo #simonandgarfunkel #MusicAnalysis #JazzInfluences #MichaelBrecker #BethRoars #VocalTechniques #MusicReaction #SoftRock #FolkRock #ClassicSongs

[jamesdignanmusic]

Footage from the COncert in Central Park - I love the fact that Art Garfunkel was quietly singing along to himself in the background.

[LarryClement]

My anthem. I sing the chorus at the end of every 50 mile or 100 mile running race that I complete.

[ianp]

One of the best songwriters in history. Had the privilege of seeing him live a few times, including his last ever tour performance in the UK in Hyde Park

[blindlemonpledge]

I seem to remember that back in the sixties when Simon & Garfunkel were first being broadcast, that people thought they were too intellectual and frankly were just buzzkills.. I am glad to see that most of those people enjoy their music now

[Luke-mckb]

One of my favorite artists ever! And I always saw him as a composer in the first place. Not a voice that immediately blows you away on the first note, but with a more subtle beauty. I guess he really puts a lot of thought into how he sings and plays his songs and not leaving anything to chance. And even at an old age he still sounds so youthful

[carolmartin]

One of the best things about growing up in the realm of 60's-70's music was the constant of Simon and Garfunkel's existence.

[sourisvoleur]

Love the key change in the middle 8. So Paul Simon.

[mtbelly]

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Simon when he was touring in the UK. He was fantastic. I was working one of his concert's doing security right next to the mixer desk.

[guitaleleoeuvre]

Grew up through the 70's with Paul's music being played often on my mom & dad's turntable! He's a SERIOUSLY good singer/songwriter who taught me so very much by osmosis! Josh Turner (by that, I mean the OTHER "Josh Turner"...) is a HUGE fan of Paul Simon!

[i.marchand]

Ah, Beth. I don't actually have much desire to dive into anyone's vocals. I'm content to concentrate on my own voice; to hope that I hit my notes, and maybe be proud, sometimes, when I do. But I do enjoy watching you dive into this stuff. I like the fact that you enjoy it so much, and I like watching that obvious enjoyment. Don't get me wrong; I do actually listen to what you say, too, and I even learn something now and again.

[stephenreiner]

1975 I remember when it came out and they signed the papers on a rainy day. In 81 I was in Central Park at a. free concert. There was an estimated 500, 000 people on the great lawn. People as far as you could see and something I'll never forget.

[firedoc]

Always loved Simon & Garfunkel, and even after they split, I still get into both their solo careers. One thing about Paul is his humor which he really shows off when he appeared on Saturday Night Live, which I believe he hosted at least five times.

[jrdlabs]

Great analysis, Beth. Especially the contrast between young and old. My musical tastes are simple, three chords and the truth, pretty much. But, Paul Simon is one of those rare artists that can make me love a song that's more....uh...shall we say....elevated and complex. I don't know exactly why or, at least, I can't put it into words. Maybe, it's 'musical mystery' (lol)...

[jchilaire]

Beth, this is not Mike Brecker Who plays the sax solo at the S&G central Park concert but the great Dave toffani. Mike Breker, who created il on the studio version, did the solo live during the PS born at the right Time tour 1991/1992

[professorD]

I’ve always been a fan! Great performance!

[oscararzate]

Una canción muy relajante me gusta la voz del cantante bien Beth 👏👏🍀🍀

[BRIANZ]

I love Michael Brecker -He was in the first -Blood, Sweat and Tears album. I loved the sound of a horn -so I bought a Trumpet. I was already a keyboard player. After about a year I found out the horn I like was a Alto Saxophone -I felt like a idiot. I did get to talk to Al Kooper- he was lead vocalist- keyboard player. I don't think any of the original band were in the next album. I got a chance to meet Al Kooper at a jazz show Beth !!!

[josericardodarochacatuta]

Saudade de Paul e suas músicas. Estou perto do fim. Mas vivi pra ter ouvido e amar suas canções

[MrSamarium]

One point of clarification I'd add if I may; the saxophone player in this performance is not Michael Brecker, who, as far as I'm aware, never performed live with an alto saxophone, but definitely not with Paul. From very brief digging, it looks like the player in this vid is either Dave Tofani or Gerry Niewood. Cheers.

[larrystuder]

I'm not musical, but I remember, I can hear in my head, every note from the original "The Sound of Silence." I heard the version he and Art did at the Concert in Central Play, and even I could tell, their voices have aged, it's NOT THE SAME, but they still did a very good job.