Leonard Cohen Ensemble No. 1

[jarkko]

http://valley24.com/news/2007/dec/18/le ... ay-cedars/

YOUNGSTOWN — Lead singer Adam Mamula says any time the Leonard Cohen Ensemble No. 1 performs, there's an element of danger.

It comes from the fact the group is an ensemble, with an air of fluidity among its members. For their Dec. 21 performance, the ensemble is practicing in separate groups and won't play together until the actual show.

Among the members are Kevin Glaz on guitar, Ian White on bass, Dean Amschutz on drums (the other drummer for The Zou), Brandon Masterman on saxophone and Jenna Barvitski (of The Devotees) on violin. Masterman, Barvitski and Justin Endler also contribute backing vocals.

Mamula (also a drummer for The Zou) says the group will aim to take Leonard Cohen's somber tone and "try to infuse a little bit of life" in it. He's not worried about the show, even without full rehearsals.

"It always comes together in the end," he says.

The Leonard Cohen Ensemble No. 1 began as a trio when Barley's was known as the Bad Apple and had an open mic night that brought out the best of Youngstown musicians. Mamula says it was a casual start as he gained enthusiasm when he found other people were interested in performing, and hearing, him cover Leonard Cohen tunes.

So, why Cohen? Mamula admits it's a "strange choice."

"The songs are sad, but if you listen to it enough, it's comforting," he explains.

Mamula says he's attracted to a deepness in Cohen's music.

"You listen to it and you know there's something more to it lyrically — it's like poetry," he says.

Right now the Leonard Cohen Ensemble No. 1 is working on recording an album, which Mamula aims to distribute at an international Cohen event that occurs every two years. It's the first step to getting the group to perform there someday. They'll be recording "Everybody Knows" the day of the show.

The group gives Mamula time in the spotlight after being a drummer behind the set, in the back of the band, for so long.

"It's really an indulgence for me. The fact that people enjoy it is icing on the cake," he says.

You can check out the Leonard Cohen Ensemble No. 1 Friday at Cedar's Lounge in downtown Youngstown when they play with The Weird Paul Band. It's not something to put off to "catch them next time," as Mamula warns he isn't sure when they'll perform together again.