Quite a night at Carnegie Hall, where producer Michael Dorf staged one of his famous all star tributes last night. The honoree was Paul Simon, whose songs were sung by 20 or more acts ranging from Very Well Known to Completely Unknown. The big names: Judy Collins, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Richard Marx, Anjelique Kidjo, Betty Lavette, Bob Mould and Madeline Peyroux with Jon Herington.
Allen Toussaint made a big showing of “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” a natural number for the New Orleans native.
But it was Sam Moore who got the audience on their feet with a gospel flavored “Loves Me Like a Rock.” He was antidote to some of the sleepier acts who took soft rock seriously. Still, it was a fun night that ended with all the acts– sans Collins– leading the crowd with “Feeling Groovy.”
Now Moore will show New York real R&B tonight at the City Winery on Varick and Spring Streets. The Grammy winning member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will make tonight’s show his second of three appearances in New York this month. On April 23rd he appears with Italian singer Zucchero at Madison Square Garden.
Tonight’s show features the Uptown Horns and Sam’s regular band. Some of Monday night’s performers are already threatening to show up. You know, everyone wants to sing “Soul Man.”
Moore is 78 and still rocking like it was 1966. He just recorded a new song called “They Killed a King” in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (The anniversary of King’s death is April 4th.) “They Killed a King” was record in Memphis at the legendary Royal Studios, now run by Willie Mitchell’s son, Boo.
Here’s the video. Go to www.citywinery.com for tickets.
