The other Paul

[JLawry]

I am a big fan of Malcolm Gladwell, the author, podcaster, thinker. He is also obviously very interested in music and treats it the way he does everything else - revising what you thought you thought about it. A few years ago, he co-produced an amazing audiobook called Miracle and Wonder, about the career of Paul Simon. Sure, I like Simon’s stuff, but I had no idea before this how he represents the level and approach to creativity that Gladwell reveals. One thing they talk about a lot is Simon’s relationship with audio engineer Roy Halee, someone I’d never even heard of. Last night I listened again to the 1983 album Hearts & Bones, and experienced not only a wide and DEEP soundstage - truly 3-dimensional - but how perfect it is in supporting what Simon does. There’s such a perfect “soft” capture of Simon’s voice - makes me just want to hug the guy. The title track is so rich and present, with such a perfect rendering of percussion. The audiobook is long, but well worth your time - Gladwell produces audiobooks at a high level of podcast quality. You can buy it at Amazon for $15, or from Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries site.