Art Garfunkel and Tab Laven Revisit ‘April Come She Will’ on a New York Rooftop

A rooftop in New York offers an unusual setting for ‘April Come She Will.’ Art Garfunkel and guitarist Tab Laven perform with a close, intimate approach, allowing a well-known Simon and Garfunkel track to unfold without the grandeur of a typical concert.

The single acoustic guitar provides a clear foundation for the melody. Laven’s role is to support the vocal line, allowing the listener to focus on the relationship between the words and Garfunkel’s contemporary voice.

That voice carries a sense of time. Instead of obscuring the changes associated with age, the performance allows the listener to hear the singer as he is. For a song about the passage of seasons, this quality becomes an integral part of the experience.

There is a unique intimacy in hearing familiar music in such a modest setting. The song does not require an introduction to establish its identity, and the environment encourages the audience to listen closely rather than anticipating a larger arrangement.

Laven’s long collaboration with Garfunkel adds a sense of comfort to the pairing. The performance is built on the practical connection between a singer and guitarist who share the song together.

Watch the performance

The rooftop location contributes to the atmosphere, but the recording’s focus remains on the music. Voice and guitar hold the listener’s attention, with the city serving as a background rather than the main subject.

For those revisiting an old favorite, the performance offers something distinct from a polished version of an earlier recording. It is a present moment with the song, shaped by the people involved and the time they share.

Two more performances to explore

Simon and Garfunkel — April Come She Will in Central Park

The same song is presented in a different location within Central Park.

Crosby, Stills and Nash — Blackbird

A familiar tune is reimagined through a more subdued acoustic arrangement.