As Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey walk out onstage together, a resounding LOUD round of applause developed. One reason might be that due to health conditions (including covid) this concert and several others had to be rescheduled and the audience was thrilled that it was now happening. A second reason is certainly that they are a treasured duo from our love of folk music, protest music and spiritual music stemming from the 60s. Last year I saw them at The Kate Theatre in Old Saybrook, CT. Tonight they appear at The Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY. HOWEVER, for those of you missing this performance, they have rebooked into The Kate during the month of August. Get to these gentlemen before it can no longer happen.
I mentioned in my last review that I was seeing a band (The Lords of 52nd Street) and a duo (Peter and Paul) that I had seen, and loved, last year. I was curious to see both again and note changes. You already know that The Lords performed a full album, as well as all the big hits this year, which was different from the great concert they gave last year. Peter and Noel Paul? Again, the concert was a different set, different stories and some different songs, or at least different staging.
Noel Paul Stookey and his daughter have formed an organization called Music to Life. I will send info along with this review. But here is their creed:
Music to Life believes in the power of music to change the world - but more than that ... WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MUSICIANS.
Belief in musicians? That has been a major role of my life.
The theme songs of Music to Life are: 'Weave Me the Sunshine' and 'If I Had a Hammer'. It makes perfect sense to open the show with 'Weave Me the Sunshine'.
Peter and Paul are really getting into the song when Peter stops the show and says, "Why aren't you singing along? Did you forget the words?" Last year at The Kate, he teased us by telling us to stop clapping along. I love the fact that, as Paul says, "This is the closest thing to a coffee club we got now, folks." Treating every venue this way, we and they can be casual, laughing, crying and bringing forth memories. So, we sing along now (with Peter reciting the words for us) and unite in our histories.
Garden Song - I love the inch by inch lyrics, the childhood total belief in possibility and the easy sing-along lyrics and melody.
PUFF-THE MAGIC DRAGON - We had no problem singing along and Peter could not stop us even though he (half-heartedly) tried. My emerging verbal students have begun to sing this one.
It's Magic
Don't Laugh At Me
Where Have All the Flowers Gone - The realization that life is cycler, with its losses, loves and mistakes
Light One Candle - Said Paul and Mary, "Peter, you're the Jew in the group. Write a Hannukah song!" Peter was perplexed because when his mother emigrated to the US, she decided that religion needed to go, and they needed to focus on becoming Americans first. However, with the help of his grandfather, he came through with a charm of a hopeful and intoxicating song.
INTERMISSION
Noel Paul and Peter split up the beginning of the second act (this is different from last year/) Paul says, "This way, you will see why we are a duo. (audience laughter) “I used to say trio." (sighs and ooooooohs from the audience, remembering Mary and her loss) Paul begins the solo spot with 'In These Times.' He performs three songs, ending with 'Wedding Song - There is Love'. There has never been more strength of lyrics and blending of melody than 'Wedding Song.' It was probably worn out in the 60s as it became the choice of the decade for wedding ceremonies.
Noel Paul has grown stronger in time, with a majestic voice and a depth of personality that strengthens the meanings of their 1959-1970 songs and the new albums he has recorded since.
Peter appears with their back-up musicians, John (standing bass) and Gordon (guitar) to perform his solo section. His musical performance is not as many songs as Paul's, but he adds stories and talks the song, "There's a Hole in the Bucket" with emphasis and oral interpretation that makes the audience alternately giggle and guffaw. Peter is glad to still be performing after a battle with cancer that he claims, "Should not have allowed me to recover to the extent I have." His doctor is in the audience tonight and stands to be recognized. When you take this into consideration, the tremors or shakes and the weaker (but still melodious) voice seem magical.
Ending with 'The Times, They Are A-Changing.' he has the total vocal backing of all who are present: Audience and Theatre Staff alike. Back comes Paul, and as they promised earlier, they jump into LEAVING ON A JET PLANE …
Yes, the high school memories are still there.
The audience stands, claps and Paul has to quiet us so he can state, "Pretend Peter and I just ran off the stage and have barely made it back to sit down and play an encore." Hey, I can see that!
IF I HAD A HAMMER
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
From hearing them playing across the street at a party, to singing the songs at church youth groups and school functions, the fact is that they were, and are, more a part of my life than I had realized. Deciding to go to The Kate last year and The Music Hall this year flooded me with specific memories that add more thrills to my current life.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
Forgotten Hits
