Paul Simon’s 1991-92 “Born at the Right Time” tour, which played Central Park in New York in the summer of ’91, is a landmark event not just for its music, but for its historic amalgamation of international musicians from several continents and dozens of genres. Here’s who they are:
Paul Simon — vocals, guitar: Legendary singer-songwriter who helped pave the way for the rise of so-called “world music” in the West.
Mingo Araujo — percussion: The Brazilian musician left an indelible impression on the “Born at the Right Time” tour with his acrobatic antics.
Cyro Baptista — percussion: In addition to building many of his own instruments, this rhythm master has performed with everyone from John Zorn and Wynton Marsalis to Trey Anastasio and Dr. John.
Chris Botti — trumpet: The jazz musician was still relatively unknown when he started touring with Simon, but has gone on to have a prolific, Grammy-winning career.
Michael Brecker — saxophones, EWI: The late sax virtuoso was so revered he earned his own spotlighted song on the Simon tour.
Tony Cedras — piano, keyboards, accordion: The South African multi-instrumentalist has collaborated with musicians across a range of genres, including Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba and Henry Threadgill.
Steve Gadd — drums: One of the great session drummers in American music, the drummer has anchored countless classic performances by a Who’s Who of contemporary artists, including Simon, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton and Chick Corea.
Dom Chacal — percussion: Another Brazilian percussion mainstay.
Sidinho Moreira — percussion: An in-demand Brazilian session veteran who has worked with Milton Nascimento and Sergio Mendez.
Vincent Nguini — guitar: The Cameroonian guitarist translated his skills to recordings by Simon, Jimmy Buffett and Peter Gabriel.
Ray Phiri — guitar: The prolific musician, steeped in South African mbaqanga, was a key Simon collaborator during the “Graceland” and “The Rhythm of the Saints” era.
Barney Rachabane — saxophone, penny whistle: A child prodigy, Rachabane has remained a giant in South African jazz well into his 70s.
Armand Sabal-Lecco — bass guitar: The Cameroonian stylist has worked with countless jazz musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke and the Brecker Brothers.
John Selolwane — guitar: The Botswana-based musician was a favorite of trumpeter Hugh Masekela, who in turn recommended him to Simon.
Richard Tee — musical director, piano: The jazz keyboardist appeared on myriad sessions in the ‘70s and ‘80s with artists such as Simon, George Benson and Grover Washington Jr.
The Waters (Oren Waters, Maxine Waters and Julia Waters) — vocals: The sibling vocal group has participated in more than 350 gold or platinum recordings.
Briz and Grupo Cultural OLODUM — percussion: The Brazilian carnival favorites recorded with Michael Jackson, Sepultura and Wayne Shorter, among others, after working with Simon.