Leonard Cohen - Live In London
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Free Music Notes for Live In London
Free Music Review: Ring the Bells that Still Can Ring!
Hit: 5 Stars
I was introduced to the music of Leonard Cohen in 1967 and my life has been graced by his amazing music ever since. Through ups, downs and moments of pure wonder, I've been soothed, comforted, held in place and
uplifted by his insight and vision. I was privileged to obtain seats at his May 5th concert in Chicago. What a delight to hear his voice still rings clear, rich and strong as a Harley Davidson at idle. His supporting group is jaw-dropping stunning - they must have been assembled in the tower of song. I haven't heard a (mouth) harp player as good as Dino Soldo since Paul Butterfield. The Barcelona guitar master is Javier Mas and Bob Metzger on lead guitar is outstanding. Neil Larsen (keyboard), Rafael Bernardo Gayel (drums)and Roscoe Beck (bass, vocals and musical director) are perfect. The Webb Sisters and Sharon Robinson must be on leave from the Angelic Choir and I'm sure some heavenly acrobatic choir misses their flips and harmony.
There was a great article in the New York Times by Larry Rother at
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/arts/music/25cohe.html?sq=Leonard%20Cohen&st=cse&scp=2&pagewanted=print .
If you can see him live, sell the Dylan LPs, cash in what's left of your 401K, get a cup and beg on the street. It truly was worth it - the best concert I've ever seen.
I bought the DVD at the concert ($20 there -was a good deal I thought- but really it's cheaper here! As is the CD.) Later I bought the CD on I-Tunes and it does a great job of capturing the magic of the concert, Goosebumps and all.
Without reservation I recommend this. In this age of uncertainty as the foundations we're standing seem to be eroding, the clouds roll in and the weatherman is panicked looking for a weather vane -- go with the music. As Cohen says..."...there is a crack in everything..That's how the light gets in..."
Free Music Review: The Wizard of Word in the Tower of Song
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw Leonard Cohen and his fantastic band at the exquisitely intimate Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA last night. I'm still buzzing with both giddiness and a deep feeling of grace for being invited to 3 1/2 hours of soul massage. Aside from a sublime sound created by a 9-piece ensemble of talented musicians who have mastered the art of filling in just enough to let the greatness of these songs shine right through, I can hardly put in words how nice it felt to be carried through this musical journey by the simple power of . . . words.
There are love songs, the kind we are force-fed ad nauseum in daily radio and television diets, mostly shallow, formulaic professions of "Oh baby, you broke my heart, and I either want you back or you can go to hell." Then there are Love Songs, the rare kind that strike a chord so deep that they make a connection between our individual human condition or predicament and the infinitely more expansive and universal mystery behind our collective suffering and joy. The latter, of course, is Mr. Cohen's kind, tickling your soul's G-spot with his poetic feather until you can take it no more and surrender to the sensation of tears and smiles running side by side.
Inviting you in, through, and beyond, is the essence of poetry, and words are the cosmic training wheels that take you there, wherever there is. The most powerful words, however, may be the ones that -- like a caring guardian -- slowly fade into the distance once you're cruising, leaving you to explore all on your own the magic realm from whence they came while still feeling safely connected to their familiar ring. If these words are imbued in a deep dark whisper of a voice and carried by a cloud of sweet and gentle music, then you may find yourself catching a blissful glimpse of creation's finest, right through that crack where the light shines in.
Free Music Review: Magical!
Hit: 5 Stars
I was lucky to experience Leonard Cohen live in Copenhagen October 2008; the same tour as this release. Cohen's band was unusually accomplished and there was throughout the long concert a warm and intimate atmosphere. Cohen himself was in topfrom and joked with the audience, a part, which is reflected in these recordings.
At no time during the concert I felt concentration failing me, a thing which often occurs to me during long concerts. It was simply a joy to listen to this accomplished band, not least the three excellent female vocals and moreover the sound in the hall was perfect - everything down to the smallest guitar plunk from Cohen could be heard.
This CD restores to a big extent way to the great experience, though such an event never quite could be reproduced on a CD.
The vast majority of numbers sounds at least as good as the original studio versions - some even better. The arrangements of the newer numbers are broadly familiar, while several of the older songs had been changed to band format.
The repertoire is nicely spread out throughout Cohen's long career, with particular focus on the major albums "I'm Your Man" and "The Future". The debut album "Songs of Leonard Cohen" is also nicely represented with four songs.
From the Copenhagen concert "Waiting For The Miracle" and "Heart With No Companion" are missing, but is otherwise the concert was identical to this album's track list.
There is really no reason to highlight individual tracks, since everything is excellent, however I must admit that I particularly enjoyed the beautiful vocals from The Web Sisters and Sharon Robinson; not least on "In My Secret Life".
Free Music Review: a cohen masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
i am normally averse to purchasing live recordings for reasons well known(sound quality,it somehow just never quite sounds like the original cd,drawn out versions of songs,etc).in respect of certain artists and for completist reasons,i from time to time deviate from this self imposed practise.leonard cohen is one such artist,and how glad i am that my policy does not apply to him.like a vintage wine,older,wiser,after having lived the life(from being involved with rebecca de mornay to spending time with monks)due to financial reasons,he during 2008 had to undertake a series of live shows,being back on boogie street.this double cd is of the concert he held in london. the sound quality is perfect.the atmosphere an appreciative audience and the artist one who is complety at peace and on song.i have always maintained that an album does not necessarily have to in respect of each song contain a five star song,for it to be a five star album.i believe that one song may be so striking,that it by itself may lift an otherwise fair album to four or five star quality(dylan's brownsville girl is a case in point).
in this instance,the song is "if it be your will" a stunning song when it appeared on the original album ,but given an interpretation on this album that makes it timeless.having said that,the gems do not end there."my sceret life","hey that's no way to say goodbye" (to name but two )also standout.and then there is "hallelujah".sure, the buckley version is great,but here,it is as if this interpretation could only be given by the man himself and only after all these years.
and,his interaction with the audience is also warm and intimate.
definitely one of the albums of the year.
Free Music Review: More than musid...a near-religious experience
Hit: 5 Stars
My introduction to Leonard Cohen came in a freshman English class. Forty years later, late on a Saturday night alone at home, I stumbled across the "Live in London" show on PBS, and for nearly two hours I laughed, cried, and relived the brightest and darkest hours of my life. Like a holyman or shaman, the gravel voice invoked obscure memories and explosive emotions about love, politics, loss, love, humor... The lyrics, unlike any other artist that I know of, were powerful in themselves. Growing old, experiencing the changes of body and social mores, dancing at last call, the lost love, lost innocence, lost years. He speaks truth at a subliminal level. But the musical arrangements, with reed instruments from harmonica to saxophone, strings from lute-like Eastern European instruments (and of course guitars), keyboards, delicate percussion, all woven and intertwined into a delicate blend that could stand alone. Sharon Robinson, the beautiful face and voice that has been the unsung heroine of Cohen's career, would be a star in her own right in any other ensemble. And the harmonies that backed up the rumbling voice were nearly orgasmic at times. Really.
No Pop here, no fluff, but sweet and wonderful music that forces you to think, and to feel. If you like some brain in your music, this album will fulfill you at all of the levels of musical and meaningful emotion. Buy it, borrow it, steal it, and then set aside time to absorb it in an uninterrupted setting. When you listen, you will understand.