What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
That's the question I was asked yesterday whilst waiting for the airport bus in Florence. I was totally stumped. Is he a crooner? No I said (or is he???). Does he play jazz? No (though, thinking about it, some of the music could definitely be described as jazz). In the end I ducked the question completely and suggested that they check out some sound samples on the web and decide for themselves but the question has stuck with me and I am wondering how other people would have replied to it.
Wendy
Wendy
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
If asked, I categorise Leonard as "folk-blues-Euro-pop-jazz-world-gypsy-R&B-soul-with-occasional-tinges-of-country" (in no particular order).
(And I would never call him a "crooner"!)
(And I would never call him a "crooner"!)
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Thanks Lisa. That should just about cover it!!
Wendy
Wendy
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Glad to be of help!
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Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Mabeanie1.
His music is a melting pot and appeals to 'everyone'. Definitely not a crooner. This is what makes him so interesting because you cannot pin it down. You really never know what to expect from a new song of his... do you
Cheshire gal
His music is a melting pot and appeals to 'everyone'. Definitely not a crooner. This is what makes him so interesting because you cannot pin it down. You really never know what to expect from a new song of his... do you
Cheshire gal
'...and here's a man still working for your little smile' -Leonard Cohen
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Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
My answer has always been:
He sings story songs while painting intricate word pictures.
He sings story songs while painting intricate word pictures.
Too much Leonard Cohen is never enough.
London 1972, Adelaide 1980, 1985, 2009
Sydney 2010; Adelaide 2010
Sydney 2013 X2; Melbourne 2013; Adelaide 2013
London 1972, Adelaide 1980, 1985, 2009
Sydney 2010; Adelaide 2010
Sydney 2013 X2; Melbourne 2013; Adelaide 2013
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Wendy,
I've always told people when they've asked, that his music has a 'European flavor' - the most beautiful melodies. And that doesn't really capture it either.
I've always told people when they've asked, that his music has a 'European flavor' - the most beautiful melodies. And that doesn't really capture it either.
1993 Detroit 2008 Kitchener June 2-Hamilton June 3 & 4-Vienna Sept 24 & 25-London RAH Nov 17 2009 NYC Feb 19-Grand Prairie Apr 3-Phoenix Apr 5-Columbia May 11-Red Rocks Jun 4-Barcelona Sept 21-Columbus Oct 27-Las Vegas Nov 12-San Jose Nov 13 2010 Sligo Jul 31 & Aug 1-LV Dec 10 & 11 2012 Paris Sept 30-London Dec 11-Boston Dec 16 2013 Louisville Mar 30-Amsterdam Sept 20
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
I think he would play Bach, Theodorakis and perhaps also some Gypsy tunesWhat sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
"Without light or guide, save that which burned in my heart." San Juan de la Cruz.
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
I've been thinking about this... He's eclectic, certainly, but to narrow it down, I was wondering if we can say that, whereas he used to be into folk rock, he is now more into bluesy rock. Would that be fair to say?
Having said that, I think LisaLCFan's answer is the most accurate, but I would struggle to remember it, that's the only problem!
Having said that, I think LisaLCFan's answer is the most accurate, but I would struggle to remember it, that's the only problem!
"We are so lightly here"
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
I think I missed one: "gospel," so please add that into my original description!
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Leonard himself once said that his music is a mix of Folk - European - & Synagogue Cantor ( isn't that fascinating & beautiful? He said this in the '70's - you will also see him saying it in an interview in Bird On A Wire). So, forgive me if I am too demanding, but I think we also have to add "Synagogue Cantor" to Lisa's otherwise very thorough description!!
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Thanks to everyone for their input. One thing is puzzling me and I meant to follow up on it after Mary's response a few days ago and forgot but Rachel has just reminded me.
What is "European music"? It is a term which is totally meaningless to me as a European!
Wendy
What is "European music"? It is a term which is totally meaningless to me as a European!
Wendy
- Cheshire gal
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Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Mabeanie1 asks what is European music?
I think I know what it is when I hear it but it is hard to describe. I would have to say it is the use of different instruments. Javier Mas' oud is one. But I love it, it is just not the regular guitars that are used in popular songs. Seems to be influenced by Greek instruments also. This probably does not make sense. But anyway it sounds 'heavenly'.
I think I know what it is when I hear it but it is hard to describe. I would have to say it is the use of different instruments. Javier Mas' oud is one. But I love it, it is just not the regular guitars that are used in popular songs. Seems to be influenced by Greek instruments also. This probably does not make sense. But anyway it sounds 'heavenly'.
'...and here's a man still working for your little smile' -Leonard Cohen
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Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
I guess I consider European music that which has it's origins in the folk music of all European countries ie. waltzes, tangos, polkas, czardas, etc. Songs that have been passed down for generations. Does that make sense?
1993 Detroit 2008 Kitchener June 2-Hamilton June 3 & 4-Vienna Sept 24 & 25-London RAH Nov 17 2009 NYC Feb 19-Grand Prairie Apr 3-Phoenix Apr 5-Columbia May 11-Red Rocks Jun 4-Barcelona Sept 21-Columbus Oct 27-Las Vegas Nov 12-San Jose Nov 13 2010 Sligo Jul 31 & Aug 1-LV Dec 10 & 11 2012 Paris Sept 30-London Dec 11-Boston Dec 16 2013 Louisville Mar 30-Amsterdam Sept 20
Re: What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?
Lisa's description gets my vote too Few singers have so eclectic a variety of songs.
I need to say this: the musical element in LC's songs is always very good. Problem is, his lyrics are DIVINE. This prompts his detractors to say that he can write but can't sing, which is pure garbage (among the flowers ) in my opinion.
Me? I think you can never separate the two. But yes, when you fall for a song, you are either drawn first to the lyrics or the music. Both instances apply to me:
e.g.
Lyrics first - Stranger Song: initially I just kept skipping the track! But the lyrics - perfection.
Music first - Lover, Lover, Lover: initially, the classic opening lines of the song were all I could remember. I was quite content to listen to it for the melody alone (especially the live versions).
But I digress here. Must be the insomniac in me talking
Lester
I need to say this: the musical element in LC's songs is always very good. Problem is, his lyrics are DIVINE. This prompts his detractors to say that he can write but can't sing, which is pure garbage (among the flowers ) in my opinion.
Me? I think you can never separate the two. But yes, when you fall for a song, you are either drawn first to the lyrics or the music. Both instances apply to me:
e.g.
Lyrics first - Stranger Song: initially I just kept skipping the track! But the lyrics - perfection.
Music first - Lover, Lover, Lover: initially, the classic opening lines of the song were all I could remember. I was quite content to listen to it for the melody alone (especially the live versions).
But I digress here. Must be the insomniac in me talking
Lester
Last edited by horo1984 on Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I needed so much / To have nothing to touch / I've always been greedy that way
Sydney, Australia - 9 November 2010
Sydney, Australia - 9 November 2010