Tuesday’s Tune: Berkeley Girl

October 27, 2009 by Tim
Filed under: music

Paul Simon’s “travelling companion” is no longer nine years old. He’s now 36, and has just released his eponymous début solo album, Harper Simon. And it’s very enjoyable.

Simon – whose mother is Paul’s first wife, Peggy Harper – will of course have to live in the shadow of his musical giant of a father. Yet he seems to have emerged as a talented poetic songsmith in his own right. His songs have an authentic, yet somewhat respectful retro sound. This is due in no small measure to the amazing team (dubbed the “Nashville A Team”) he assembled to record this album in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York. It includes legendary producer Bob Johnston and musicians from every era since the 1950’s. He was also joined by his friend Sean Lennon and of course his Dad.

Some of his songs, such as the exquisite Wishes and Stars, display a style surely learnt at his father’s knee. The song featured here, the romantic Berkeley Girl is far more Dylan than Simon (Paul).