Paul Simon’s back catalogue is a rich musical melting pot, bringing together cultures and stylings found in New York, possibly the most diverse city in the world.
This special concert celebrates Paul Simon's music, and tells the story of how this child of Hungarian-Jewish refugees created the most beloved songs that speak to generations of wanderers and dreamers.
Led by singer-songwriter David Ford, with musicians Michele Stodart, Kathryn Williams, Gary Stewart and Romeo Stodart.
David Ford
David Ford is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and keen amateur carpenter. His seventh solo album May You Live in Interesting Times was album of the week in both The Telegraph and The Sunday Times. In 2014 he was honoured with France’s most prestigious music award as the composer of the song of the year. He is also the author of I Choose This: How to Nearly Make it in the Music Industry.
Gary Stewart
Gary Stewart is a singer songwriter from Perth who now resides in York. The multi-instrumentalist has recorded four solo albums and is also the drummer in Leeds-based band Hope & Social. When not performing his own music the left-hander fronts the highly successful Gary Stewart presents Graceland, performing at venues and Festivals up and down the U.K.
Michele Stodart
Michele Stodart is bassist, vocalist and co-songwriter with much-loved, double-platinum selling group, The Magic Numbers. Whilst touring worldwide with the band she has also released two solo records Wide-Eyed Crossing & Pieces both widely acclaimed. Using her skills as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Michele finds herself collaborating regularly with many artists, be it live or in the studio. She brings warmth and intimacy to the stage with her raw live performances, baring songs from the heart and soul. Michele is currently in the final stages of her latest album due for release in 2023.
Kathryn Williams
Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Before her latest release, Night Drives, the label One Little Independent celebrated her career to date with a 20 cd, two book, box set anthology strewn with her art. She has written a novel The Ormering Tide which debuted to critical acclaim and also hosts her own popular podcast Before the Light Goes Out.
Romeo Stodart
Romeo Stodart is the lead singer/songwriter in the much loved London based rock n roll harmony group The Magic Numbers. The band comprising of two pairs of brothers and sisters have released five critically acclaimed albums thus far including the self-titled Mercury Music Prize nominated, million selling debut, the follow up Those The Brokes, 2010's The Runaway, 2014’s Alias and their most recent album, 2018’s Outsiders.
Outside of The Magic Numbers, Romeo has collaborated with a vast array of artists including writing songs for & with Jane Birkin, Edwyn Collins, Amadou & Mariam and The Chemical Brothers. He has contributed his unique guitar playing style to various projects, from Damon Albarn’s Africa Express collective since its inception, to playing banjo, guitar & harmonies on the Spiritualized album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light. Romeo was also the touring guitarist with Jimmy Webb & The Webb Brothers, accompanied Mcalmont & Butler on bass duties and recently he’s been producing and co-writing with Natalie Imbruglia, Billy Bragg, Ren Harvieu & Kathryn Williams.
