REVIEW: Something About Simon - Epstein Theatre

Something About Simon "is not a tribute show. It is one musician authentically honouring the music of another, utilising all the tools at his disposal." Something About Simon producers and Bill Elms premiered the incredible show for two nights:7th-8th November at The iconic Epstein theatre. Having being announced initially in May, a second date was added and it was received with open arms by the attentive audiences. I had the privilege of attending the Wednesday night press night performance and was enthralled by the magnificent show.

Gary Edward Jones opened the evening with "The sound of silence" and then confessed to the audience that as a singer-song-writer of 30 years, he had previously been unaware of Paul Simon's music. Upon review of the LP copy of the singers songbook, he embarked on an exploration of the New Jersey artist's impressive career and became an instant fan.

With beautiful imagery projected on a full sized screen behind Edward-Jones, we the audience were treated to visuals which provided the perfect compliment to the electrifying audio. Artistic Director Elfin Bow was responsible for the staging and visuals.Her unique eye for detail and exquisite artistic expression manifested itself in a perfect backdrop for Edward-Jones to perform this phenomenal show. 

This show was billed as a showcase of the magic of Paul Simon and it was exactly that. However, it would be remiss to not acknowledge the magic of the shows protagonist Gary Edward-Jones. He is a consummate performer. He stands on stage with an endearing humility and executes each number with precision and charisma. You leave the theatre having a greater understanding of Paul Simon the artist but more importantly a greater appreciation of the skill that Gary Edward-Jones possesses as an incredibly talented artist and song-writer. This 90 minute pilot show will be etched in time as a timeless memory of that time when Gary Edward-Jones invited a select few to join in on a conversation about Paul Simon and some of the songs from his discography.

Gary's love of guitars was obvious as he was joined by a plethora of said instrument throughout the evening. He even gave special thanks to Luke, his assistant who executed the multiple change-overs throughout the show.

Gary Edward-Jones invited us to be a part of the conversation about Paul Simon and his career. We the audience responded with song as we joined along in joyful chorus. The narrative was superb. He gave the back story for each song and explained the moral or lesson behind the tracks as well as giving us an insight into what was going on in the artists life at any given time.

We learnt a lot about Paul Simon's personal life and how his girlfriend Kathy was the catalyst for many of his songs. Edward-Jones injected the right mix of factual content as well as humorous anecdotes as he performed the role as narrator and story-teller.

Songs featured included classics from Paul Simon as well as from the duo Simon and Garfunkel. 
I am a rock - Simon & Garfunkel
Kathy's song - Simon & Garfunkel
April come she will - Paul Simon
A Hazy Shade Of Winter - Simon & Garfunkel
Mrs Robinson - Paul Simon
50 Ways to leave your lover
Duncan
The Boxer amongst many more.

Gary Edward-Jones was joined on stage by Elfin Bow and Terry Clarke Coyne where their delightful backing vocals and use of percussion added to the beauty of the performance. Gary's vocals were impeccable. I often found myself closing my eyes and taking in every note, immersing myself in the wonderful melodic tones and crispness of his vocals. The show was incredible and a true testament to the skill of Edward-Jones as an artist and visionary. He mastered some pretty complex guitar patterns to pull off this show seamlessly and is worthy of the highest commendation. I loved how he also included some of his own original content in the show. He played the phenomenal "Walk you home" and the highly emotive "Oceans" about three year old Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi. 

Something About Simon is a superb, exceptional celebration of Paul Simon's music and a delightful insight into the talent and quiet humility of Gary Edward-Jones. He is a force to be reckoned with. This show must without doubt be the catalyst to get his skill as an artist noticed and his name on the lips of thousands who appreciate his magnificence. He has the propensity to move you by his vocals and his guitar playing.  Five stars and a sensational seal of approval from me. Thank you for your authenticty Gary Edward Jones. I'm sure Paul Simon would be delighted with what you delivered with this show. Kudos.