Garfunkel shares song and life stories

Five-time Grammy winner Art Garfunkel performed a mellow set of new songs and timeless classics at the Indiana University Auditorium Tuesday night.\nHis unique style of easy-listening folk rock was well received by the predominantly older crowd, who erupted in applause after almost every tune. The soothing, pleasant sound of his music made the evening a sit-down affair, except for the occasional standing ovation.\nOn stage, the laid-back Garfunkel remained personable and facetious throughout the entire show. He spent so much time telling jokes and stories, the concert felt like a taping of "VH1 Storytellers."\nBetween songs, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer reminisced about growing up in Queens, New York, acting alongside Jack Nicholson in 1971's Carnal Knowledge and travelling through Europe with childhood friend Paul Simon. He even delved into the topic of the duo's breakup in 1970. \n"In the beginning, I wanted to call the group Garfunkel & Simon," he said with a smile. \nGarfunkel then joked about asking Simon to change a lyric in "Mrs. Robinson," before breaking into a rousing rendition of the song. During the tune, he amused the audience by singing the lyric he wanted and even adding the line, "Bobby Knight has left and gone away. Hey, hey, hey."\nHis set featured other classics by the duo, including "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sound of Silence," and songs from his solo career, like "Bright Eyes." \nJames, his 11-year old son, took the spotlight to sing a playful version of Simon & Garfunkel's "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)." He looked the spitting image of his father, complete with a sweater vest and a brown, curly afro.\n"It's where your work life and your love life come together," the older Garfunkel said, "and it's total bliss."\nUnfortunately, his son had much clearer vocals than he did that evening. A nagging cough plagued the aging singer's high tenor voice throughout the show. \nWhile singing quieter verses of songs, Garfunkel often had to turn his head before muffling a cough. However, during louder parts, his voice became stronger and more powerful, reminding listeners his amazing vocals could still send chills down their spines.\nHis band consisted of several musicians, including guitarist Eric Weissberg. After being introduced by Garfunkel as Mr. "Dueling Banjos," he picked up a banjo and played a lively duel with the pianist. Weissberg co-wrote the hit song for the 1972 film "Deliverance."\nGarfunkel closed the show with a rendition of "Goodnight, My Love," wishing everyone in the crowd a heartfelt "goodnight"