SOMETHING ABOUT SIMON Makes National Debut At Edinburgh Fringe
By: Sarah Hookey Jul. 31, 2019
A new show celebrating the life and musical talent of legendary American singer songwriter Paul Simon has opened at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019.
Something About Simon has been created by Liverpool singer songwriter Gary Edward Jones, who has spent three years crafting the show, which he describes as a "real labour of love".
A natural storyteller, Gary tells the unique story of one of his idols, combining visuals, stage design, storytelling and, of course, that iconic music and incredible songs. This is not a tribute show.
Something About Simon is now open and runs throughout the Edinburgh Fringe until Monday 26 August 2019 at the Assembly George Square Studios, Studio One. The show is at 3.35pm daily.
Gary, who bears a strong resemblance to Paul Simon, has spent countless hours researching the musical legend and studying his lyrics, music and life to gain a real insight into the man behind the music.
Weaving together songs and stories that cross the Atlantic from New Jersey to the North West of England, Gary traces the sometimes poignant moments in Paul Simon's life and career that occasionally mirror his own - all delivered perfectly with his warm Liverpudlian charm and charisma.
Music highlights include classic ballads like The Sound of Silence, America, Kathy's Song and Bridge Over Troubled Waters, to the more upbeat Me And Julio, 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover and Wristband.
Something About Simon was recently premiered in Liverpool, where it enjoyed a successful two-night pilot run at the Epstein Theatre in Autumn 2018. Initially promoted as one performance, a second date was added due to popular demand. The show received 5-star reviews, wowing audiences and critics alike.
With a heritage of half Maltese and half Liverpudlian, Gary's musical journey began aged just 11 when he picked up his brother's guitar. And he's never looked back.
Whilst studying woodcarving and cabinet making at college, he still pursued his love of music and began to find his own style, inspired by early Motown, blues and folk.
Gary's debut album, The Cabinet Maker, was launched to a sell-out audience at St George's Hall Liverpool, reaching Number One on Radio Caroline's Album Countdown Chart. He has gone to share stages with Lucy Ward, Speirs and Boden, Amy Wadge, Connie Lush, Tom Baxter and Toby Walker, and also worked with producers Ronnie Stone and Mike Cave, drummer Steve Barney, singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore, and has co-written with Craig Gannon.
Gary Edward Jones commented: "I would describe the show as an authentic perspective of Paul Simon's life through music and spoken word. It's become a real labour of love - and I am excited to share Something About Simon with audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019.
"I've always felt the show should have a narrative running throughout which knits the songs together. I chose all the songs to run chronologically so we could work our way through the years and watch Paul grow as a person and a songwriter. It's been wonderful learning these beautiful songs and discovering the man behind the music. I totally respect him as a songwriter. I'd now go as far as saying that Paul Simon is an absolute genius! It is, without a doubt, the best artistic experience I've ever had."
Something About Simon is brought to audiences by producers Bill Elms, Jon Fellowes and Gary Edward Jones of Something About Productions, with artistic direction by Gareth Tudor Price.
Paul Simon is a name that has cemented itself into the "hearts and bones" of audiences all over the world, resulting in a phenomenal career that has spanned more than seven decades. And now a new show is shining the spotlight on the illustrious career of a music icon. He began his career as one half of globally successful duo Simon and Garfunkel. He has gone on to enjoy an incredible solo career, which includes 13 multi-million selling albums and 16 Grammys among countless other awards and accolades.
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.
Standard Tickets: £10-£14 www.edfringe.com
Box Office: 0131 623 3030
Photo Credit: Anthony Robling
Comments
Videos