Paul Simon – The Rhythm Of The Saints

Paul Simon – The Rhythm Of The Saints

Paul Simon's acclaimed eighth solo studio album, The Rhythm Of The Saints, was released in 1990 as the follow-up to the hugely successful Graceland. Where Graceland drew heavily on South African musical traditions, this album looks towards the rhythms of Brazil and West Africa, creating a richly layered blend of world music, folk rock, pop and sophisticated singer-songwriter material. Released by Warner Bros. in October 1990, the album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.

The album's distinctive sound began with rhythm tracks recorded in Brazil, including percussion recorded with the celebrated Brazilian group Grupo Cultural Olodum in Salvador, Bahia. Simon subsequently developed these foundations with an international cast of musicians, resulting in an intricate mixture of Brazilian percussion, African-influenced guitar, rock instrumentation and atmospheric studio production.

"The Obvious Child" provides an explosive opening, driven by the huge percussion sound of Olodum, while "Can't Run But", "Further To Fly" and "The Cool, Cool River" demonstrate Simon's ability to combine complex rhythmic arrangements with melodic songwriting and thoughtful lyrics. "The Coast" takes a more atmospheric approach, while "She Moves On" and "Born At The Right Time" add further rhythmic and melodic variety.

The guest musicians are a major part of the album's appeal. Among the many contributors are Brazilian musicians such as percussionist Nana Vasconcelos and Grupo Cultural Olodum, alongside Cameroonian guitarist and arranger Vincent Nguini, jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpet player Hugh Masekela, Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. J.J. Cale, Adrian Belew, Ray Phiri, Steve Gadd and C.J. Chenier also contribute to the album's remarkably diverse musical palette.

Produced by Paul Simon and engineered by Roy Halee, The Rhythm Of The Saints was recorded between December 1989 and June 1990, with sessions taking place in Brazil and at The Hit Factory in New York. The result is a more subtle and atmospheric record than Graceland, with intricate percussion, layered guitars, rich harmonies and a strong emphasis on rhythm throughout.

For fans of Paul Simon, world music, Brazilian music, folk rock and sophisticated 1990s pop, The Rhythm Of The Saints remains one of his most adventurous solo albums. From the spectacular percussion of "The Obvious Child" to the atmospheric title track and the deeply rhythmic "Spirit Voices", this CD captures Simon at his most ambitious and musically exploratory.

Tracklist

1. The Obvious Child — 4:10
2. Can't Run But — 3:37
3. The Coast — 5:00
4. Proof — 4:38
5. Further To Fly — 5:32
6. She Moves On — 5:02
7. Born At The Right Time — 3:48
8. The Cool, Cool River — 4:33
9. Spirit Voices — 3:54
10. The Rhythm Of The Saints — 4:20