Paul Simon - The Rhythm of the Saints (1990) [MP3 192kbps]

The Rhythm of the Saints is an album released in 1990 by Paul Simon.



Following the success of 1986's Graceland, on which he worked principally with South African musicians, Simon broadened his interests in diverse forms of music from around the world. He turned to Latin America for the musicians and rhythms which characterize much of this album, partnering with Afro-Brazilian superstars Grupo Cultural Olodum, masters of the Bahia style of samba (called Batucada). The group's drumming is featured on the opening song and first single, "The Obvious Child". Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento co-wrote "Spirit Voices" and contributed some vocals. Guest appearances were also made by mandolin- and "guitarra baiana" master Armandinho, another Bahia musician, and by Afro-Cuban drummer Francisco Aguabella, and Puerto Rican-born drummer Giovanni Hidalgo. Another collaborator was jazz percussionist and master of the berimbau, Nanβ Vasconcelos; jazz guitarist Rafael Rabelo also played on the album, along with many other Brazilian musicians.



The musical styles on The Rhythm of the Saints are, however, not uniformly Brazilian. Ringo Starr contributes drums on "Further to Fly"; US saxophonist Michael Brecker and other horn players also contribute as session musicians (for example, on "Proof"), as well as American roots rock guitarist J.J. Cale, R&B keyboards player Greg Phillinganes and jazz drummer Steve Gadd. Art rock guitarist and synth player Adrian Belew, who played on Graceland, is credited on "Spirit Voices". There are also many backing vocals on The Rhythm of the Saints, such as "She Moves On", a duet with Charlotte Mbango.



The album is characterized by impressionistic lyrics (referencing the Chernobyl incident in "Can't Run But" and the state of the world in "The Cool, Cool River"), with slower tempos than Graceland and an atmospheric flow. Along with Latin rhythms, the prime influence on the album was West African and Central African music. Cameroonian jazz composer Andre Manga plays bass, and The Rhythm of the Saints also marks Simon's first collaboration with Cameroonian guitarist Vincent Nguini, a member of his band since. Nguini is credited as cowriter on "The Coast", one of the more upbeat songs, which also features the return of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the South African vocal group who had a key role in the popularity of Graceland. Malawian-born guitarist Ray Phiri, who also collaborated on Graceland, plays on much of the album, while famed trumpeter and worldbeat bandleader Hugh Masekela is credited with playing flugelhorn on one song.



The Rhythm of the Saints peaked at #4 on the US album chart, while Graceland had peaked at #3, both among Simon's most commercially successful albums. However, with the exception of "The Obvious Child", none of its singles charted or received substantial radio play ("Proof" and "Born at the Right Time" were released as well). "The Obvious Child" also failed to reach the US top 40, although it came it at #15 in the UK. In the end, the album was certified multi-platinum.