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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > April > 02 > Entry
Review: Leonard Cohen, night 1 at the Long Center
Leonard Cohen treated us to a night of blue elegance Wednesday night at the Long Center (he plays a second show Thursday night). More than any song, any moment, I’ll savor the evening for its spirit, for its languid, stylish, melancholy tone. That, and the sheer majesty of the Cohen musical canon, laid out over the course of a three-hour concert that featured four encores.
Cohen’s concert wasn’t so much a presentation of songs as a riveting poetry reading with a klezmer-caberet vibe, a little bluesy, a little jazzy and, above all, literate. For decades, his touring bands have taken pride in being “the quietest band in America.” We hear the words. Cohen’s drummer, Austin’s Rafael Gayol, likes to say it can get so quiet you can almost hear dust collide.
Yes.
Cohen, 74, is thinner, grayer, than that “60-year-old kid with a crazy dream” that passed through Austin on the 1988 and 1993 concert tours. But his ocean-deep bass voice - and his will - are strong. There were moments, in the muscular encore tunes “First We Take Manhattan” and “So Long, Marianne” when Cohen sang powerfully over the top of his angelic, swaying troupe of background singers, led by Sharon Robinson. If you shut your eyes: The voice and the energy suggested a singer whose heart was completely in the present, not the past.
There were great moments: “Bird on a Wire” was so delicate, so rich with quiet space and stately grace, timeless as moonlight. “Anthem,” the closer of the first set, was transcendent, orchestral, presented in celestial light. When Cohen sang “Can’t run no more with the lawless crowd/while the killers in high places say their prayers out loud,” it was not with resignation, but with grit and purpose.
Well, let’s see: Charley and Hattie Webb, his two new background singers, coyly removed their jackets - and then spun cartwheels when Cohen sang the line “You’ll see your women hanging upside down” (or was it “the blizzard of the world has overturned your soul”?) during “The Future.” “Hallelujah” drew a standing ovation in the second set.
Cohen’s spoken-word rendition of “Recitation with N.L.,” adapted from his new poetry collection “Book of Longing,” framed by delicate synthesized keyboards, was a dramatic highpoint in the second set. There was a huge communal sigh in the house — more striking than any applause — when Cohen ended the first stanza with these words: “my mirrored twin, my next of kin, I’d know you in my sleep/ And who but you would take me in, a thousand kisses deep.”
A last word about the staging, the music, and the role of Cohen’s musical director - bassist Roscoe Beck. After working with Cohen for three decades, Beck has skillfully melded his own sophisticated instincts with Cohen’s lyrical power. Beck likes the blues, and he likes jazz. Both energies were palpable Wednesday. The band’s use of Hammond B-3 organ plays to both the sensual and sacred currents in Cohen’s music.
Beck knows this in his head. We felt it in our hearts. It was a soft, lyrical, lovely night.
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By Paul A'Barge
April 2, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
I was there and this review is spot-on. I would only add descriptions of Cohen’s other band members, most especially Javier Mas whose artistry set the Gypsy tone for Cohen’s music.
I’m sorry that Brad Buchholz chose to leave out Cohen’s other sidemen. They deserve to be cited for their artistry.
Read about the whole band here: “http://www.webheights.net/speakingcohen/tourband.html”
By mdurfor
April 2, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Brad, To do justice to the evening, you really have to mention that the audience was so delighted with Leonard Cohen last night, we GREETED him with a full Austin standing ovation! If I counted the number of spontaneous standing ovations, I’d have to say more than a dozen during the performance. The audience was on fire for the slow burn of Cohen and troupe.
By Troy
April 2, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
That was a rare evening, sublime over 3 hours and we were all exhausted and smiling
By Chris Greta
April 2, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
This was, perhaps, the most perfect musical performance I’ve ever witnessed. Everything in this revue is true and then some. It was moving, powerful, elegant and sublime. It was musically stunning as well as visually stunning. Nothing was left to chance and nothing was out of place. Good job Mr. Cohen and Mr. Beck.
By Kelley
April 2, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
It was a truly magical night until I got caught up in feeling good and moved so that the couple in front of me could have the seats beside me; this put me behind a very tall man and his girlfriend. I could have looked “around” him, but he kept moving to chat with the girl etc. Be still tall people in the orchestra seats.
By djc
April 2, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
all the above raves are true and more. plus, the dell hall at the long center was another star of the evening! can’t believe how amazingly intimate this 2500-person concert hall feels and how wonderful it sounds. please book more great shows at the long center!!
By Rick C
April 2, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
Just want to agree with whats already been said. This show met and surpassed any expectations I had. The man has just exceptional good taste. The only thing he didnt play that I was hoping for was Joan of Arc, which is a shame, but I’m not about to quibble. His “Live in London” DVD and 2 CD set came out 2 days ago, and its not there either. Still one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It was a pleasure and a privelage to be there last night.
By jacque
April 2, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Traveled from El Paso to cheer and pray with the poet and his troupe. I’m home and still spell bound. What a night. I can’t remember when my body swayed and my smile just couldn’t relax for three whole hours. The divine was was connecting all of us.
By JTM
April 2, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Longtime Cohen fan, last saw him in 88 I think. Did not have tickets for this show due to some unforeseen circumstances. Got a call yesterday afternoon from a new friend who had an extra ticket in the balcony with an incredible view. Transcendent is the word. Best show I have ever seen and I have seen some classics. I am in awe of Mr. Cohen and his amazing band. His grace and charm cannot be beat. His obvious affection for his bandmates eminated through the hall. A class act all the way through.
By Amicitas
April 2, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this
Simply Exquisite! … Like a fine wine that improves with age, Mr. Cohen and his amazing band put on a show that will have Austin talking for some time to come. Excellent performance and emotional pacing, with lots of sly humor and the naked emotional edge that’s always part of his poetry and his music. Leonard Cohen has nothing more to prove in this life - he’s been there, done that a zillion times - and so he gives it all back to the musical world, both through his performance and his collaboration with others. Simply marvelous.
By Evonne
April 2, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
This was.a truly special evening. I finally fell asleep still hearing the music and poetry and woke up still in a dream. What a night! Long live the maestro and everyone in his band so they can continue to take us all on a journey.
By seapann
April 3, 2009 12:06 AM | Link to this
Leonard Cohen delivered a flawless phenomenal performance along with his incredibly talented international ensemble band, who he unabashedly and repeatedly acknowledged, assigning each a title of honor with a bow. This man has attained a level of enlightenment from deep within that radiates outward exuding humanity, humility, spirituality, and grace which he generously and graciously extends to his audience. Clad in a dashing suit, lighting bathing the stage in ethereal hues, with his commanding presence yet playful demeanor he mesmerized and entranced the audience with his vivid poetry, musical and vocal talents, melancholy ballads, scathing, strikingly intense articulations and poignant lyricsims. I know of no other artist that has such a command over the english language when it comes to expressing all manner of human emotion and social commentary. He does so with brash observations, wit and charm, reverence and irreverence when called for. His is not a show of flash n dash, rather it is all about the art, and connecting with his audience. This connection was made Wednesday night at the Long Center, singing on bended knee, skipping off the stage, inviting us in to his soul and treating us to an unforgettable Evening With Leonard Cohen. It is one I was honored and thrilled to be part of, and shall not soon forget. Thank You, Lenny!
By Art
April 3, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this
I went to the April 2 show. The evening was just as awesome (in the true sense of the word) as the first night. At 74, Mr. Cohen is still able to lay it all out for an audience a few nights in a row. Bravo!
By ~The Divine Miss B~
April 3, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with all everyone says here…I was at night 2 & fortunate to be in the 4th row, of this exquisitley enchanting transcendent, bittersweetly elating show of Lord Leonard Cohen & band. I have been to tons of concerts & now who can top this one? I loved it, every minute…it left me with that lovesick puppy feeling, well he’s 74, no longer that “60 year old kid with a dream”, but he left me weak in the knees & starry eyed…Thanks Mr. Cohen….a thousand kisses deep…
By djc
April 3, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
anyone see the thursday show? report?
By Ginny
April 3, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Also at night 2. Very fortunate to be in the third row! I waited so long for this night. I stood, hooted and applauded as much as a 60year old woman can get away with…Basking in the exhaustion and afterglow today. I don’t have the language to express how grateful I am. I love you too Leonard.
By HowlinTom
April 3, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve attended hundreds of concerts in Austin over the last 30+ years and all I can say about the LC concert on Thursday is
Best. Concert. Ever.
By Julie
April 3, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
I sit here reading these moving comments and find myself with tears in my eyes (once again) to know that I wasn’t alone in what was the most spiritually compelling force of life that I have yet to experience from a concert. Concert? No, even in the high balcony I was right there on the carpets next to him, feeling each breath. I could not keep my body still, and am amazed at those who did! Thank you Leonard, tonight I will watch the video, “I’m Your Man” and try to relive those feelings of last night.
By Bob
April 3, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable show. Great venue (hope the Long Center books more concerts).
Set list: “Dance Me To The End Of Love” “The Future” “There Ain’t No Cure For Love” “Bird On A Wire” “Everybody Knows” “In My Secret Life” “Who By Fire” “Chelsea Hotel” “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” “Anthem”
(Intermission)
“Tower Of Song” “Suzanne” “The Gypsy’s Wife” “The Partisan” “Boogie Street” “Hallelujah” “I’m Your Man” “A Thousand Kisses Deep” “Take This Waltz”
First encore: “So Long, Marianne” “First We Take Manhattan”
Second encore: “Famous Blue Raincoat” “If It Be Your Will” “Democracy”
Third encore: “Lullaby” (new song) “Closing Time”
Fourth encore: “I Tried To Leave You” “Whither Thou Goest”
By GForce1
April 4, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
I was desperately looking for a ticket. I check craigslist,looking for a miracle.I find a ticket for 79.00,balc. seat no problemm, I’m just happy to be in the same building as Leonand Cohen.Imagine my surprise when the usher say’s to me,”We may have a better seat for you,Orchestra seating.”My 79.00 ticket turns into a 500+ ticket.I’ve been an avid concert goer since the early 70s,BEST SHOW EVER!!
By Christine
April 6, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Paul, thanks for putting that link to the band. The best concert I have ever attended or hope to attend, exactly as people here describe it. I had a great seat in the Orchestra, could see and hear perfectly. Every member of the band is a consummate musician on his/her own, and Leonard acknowledges that by taking off his hat every time one gets the light. He respectfully introduced and named them twice as well, such as “Master of Breath, Dino Soldo” (sax & other wind) and “the high priest of precision, Raphael Gayol” (percussion). Cohen knelt before Javier Mas when he soloed. Each band member is an individual, yet the Band is One in a sublime way. I was still blissed out when I went to the Springsteen concert Sunday night. There is no comparison, despite the Boss’s energetic performance and the thousands in attendance. Accoustics at the Erwin Center are horrendous, blasting sound at you with some kind of persistant ringing undertone. I couldn’t even appreciate Clarence Clemons’ sax because he was so overwhelmed by the rest of the band, unlike the performance of the incredible Dino Soldo. This review describes the band as “quiet,” but I’d add that it’s not so much quiet as it is musical, pure, beautiful sound. I could have listened all night, but I was half deaf and had a headache when we left the Erwin Center.
By WB
April 8, 2009 2:11 AM | Link to this
Statesman should have had Brad Buchholz review Springsteen, too. He’s the rare Statesman writer/critic/reviewer who sees subtle depth and beauty when it exists and then writes about it well.
By Ron
April 8, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
Missed Austin concert(s)but caught him on 8/5 in Phoenix…same review & comments apply - very, very solid and emotionally satisfying for anyone who ever spent any time with LC’s music, poetry or writings. Truly a creative, gentle and gracious person!
By Hulamama
April 8, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
I wholeheartedly agree about the BOSS show. Though he and his longtime band was tight and has not lost a thing and was electrifying, it was in stark contrast to the engaging and intimate experience with Leonard Cohen. I too could have listened enraptured to Cohen all night, though at Erwin Center I felt almost assaulted by the music. True, apples and oranges, I’ll take the sweet, tart apple!
By Sirgi
April 10, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
We came from Ft Lauderdale to see Cohen with daughter and her husband. As long time fans, we had low expectations. Figured a 74 year old man not used to rigors of touring would have an opening act, sing for maybe 60-90 minutes, and not have the vocal power of the past. We were so wrong on all counts. He never sounded better and we were mesmerized for 3 hours. Amazing. Don’t know how it could have been better. His vocals were powerful and lyrical. The band was truly outstanding and I would go to see just them play. Backup singers provided a great counterpoint to Cohen’s powerful base voice. I really wanted this to be a success for Cohen – he really deserves it. The audience reaction clearly showed that it was and it felt great to be a part of it.