May 19 Is The Date For The New Album By America’s Greatest Living Songwriter

Written By Mike Greenblatt
paul-simon-seven-psalms

Paul Simon, born in Newark 81 years ago, goes ever on. His new album, Seven Psalms (Sony Music), due May 19, is one 33-minute piece in seven movements meant to be digested whole. Totally acoustic, and mostly performed by the artist, it accentuates his fluid guitar playing, still supple voice, and profound lyrics. He subtly weaves in the sounds of British vocal ensemble VOCES8, as well as the voice of singer/songwriter Edie Brickell. Psalms, by their very nature, are meant to be sung, not spoken. Thus, this work reaches back to the very genesis of folk music:  King David’s Psalms. Simon admits to wrestling within himself with the concept of faith. This project, universal in scope, can be thoroughly enjoyed by believers and non-believers alike. Check the accompanying video to witness genius-at-work.

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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