Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel includes: Paul Simon (vocals, guitar); Linda Ronstadt, The Everly Brothers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, General M.D. Shirinda, The Gaza Sisters, Joseph Shabalala (vocals); Adrian Belew (guitar, syntesizer guitar); Chikapa "Ray" Phiri, Daniel Xilakazi (guitar); Demola Adepoju (pedal steel); Forere Motloheloa, Jonhjon Mikhalali (accordion); Alex Foster (alto sax); Lenny Pickett (tenor sax); Ronnie Cuber (baritone saxophone); Earl Gardner, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Alan Rubin (trumpet); Rob Mounsey (synthesizer); Baghiti Khumalo (bass); Vusi Khumalo (drums); Lulu Masilela (tambourine); Youssou N'Dour, Makhaya Mahlangu Ralph McDonald, Babacar Faye, Assane Thiam (percussion). | | Los Lobos: Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar); David Hildago (vocals, guitar, accordion); Steve Berlin (saxophone); Conrad Lozano (bass); Louie Perez, Steve Gadd (drums). | | Engineers include: Roy Halee, Peter Thwaites, Mark Cobrin. | | Aired on VH-1 and PBS, GRACELAND includes interviews, performances, and additional footage not previously seen. | | Composer: Paul Simon. | | Lyricist: Paul Simon. | | Personnel: Paul Simon (6-string bass); Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Everly Brothers, Linda Ronstadt (vocals); Daniel Xilakazi, Chikapa "Ray" Phiri, Adrian Belew, Sherman Robertson, Cesar Rosas (guitar); Demola Adepoju (pedal steel guitar); Morris Goldberg (pennywhistle); Alton Rubin (accordion, drums); David Hidalgo, Forere Motloheloa, Jonhjon Mkhalali (accordion); Teaspoon Ndlela, Johnny Hoyt, Mike Makhalemele, Steve Berlin, Barney Rachabane (saxophone); Alex Foster (alto saxophone); Leonard Pickett (tenor saxophone); Ronald E. Cuber (baritone saxophone); Lewis Michael Soloff, Ronald E. Brecker, Jon Faddis, Alan Rubin, Earl Gardner (trumpet); David W. Bargeron, Kim Allan Cissel (trombone); Rob Mounsey (synthesizer); Lloyd Lelose, Bakiti Kumalo, Conrad Lozano, Alonzo Johnson (bass instrument); Vusi Khumalo, Isaac Mtshali, Petrus Manile, Louie P?rez, Steve Gadd (drums); David Rubin (washboard); Lulu Masilela (tambourine); Babacar Faye, Assane Thaim, Makhaya Mahlangu, Ralph MacDonald, Youssou N'Dour (percussion); Diane Garisto, Michelle Cobbs (background vocals). | | Through the mist of subsequent pale imitations, it is difficult now to recall the enormous impact of this trans-cultural album. The mould-breaking blend of rock and African rhythms is exemplified by "Homeless," an exquisitely melancholic evocation of African beauty and desolation. The stirring harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo illuminate "Homeless" and "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes." The element of humour in the latter is echoed in "You Can Call Me Al," a hit single. The lyrics are finely crafted and the result is a structure of impeccable proportions. There are angels in the architecture. |
Producer: Paul Simon |
Musical Guests | | The Everly Brothers | | Los Lobos | | Ladysmith Black Mambazo | | Youssou N'Dour | | Alan Rubin | | Jon Faddis | | Ronnie Cuber | | Linda Ronstadt | | Randy Brecker | | Adrian Belew |
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