Let's get the negative stuff out of the way first. At the amazing Paul Simon concert at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Paul had a newbie on the lighting. There was a panel of near laser-like lights at the rear of the stage that were oddly aimed directly in our formally dilated pupils. So, for the first four songs or so, we were all forced out of self preservation to listen to the music with our arm and hand outstretched to block the painful assault on all of our eyes. Does anyone remember what the songs were? Is anyone still seeing dark spots everywhere? So there's the stupid part of the concert.
As for the rest, the ten man band coupled with the greatest acoustics I have ever heard in my life made this a concert worth driving six hours for (although we did stay overnight in Ft. Worth). This 74 year old (!) performer was all-pro. New songs, old songs, a little chatter and an absolute WALL of sound made this unlike any other concert I have ever seen. I have never experienced a handful of songs with FIVE percussionists. The acoustics were so perfect, I could easily tell you where on the stage each instrument was being played. Did I mention the ultra plush carpeting? How about the joyful attendants every thirty feet? The outside patios to enjoy the amazing view of Dallas? Indoor parking? Easy departure?
Two encores and a conclusion of ten performers lined up, hand in hand taking a bow capped off a spectacular show. Job well done.