CONCERT REPORT: Fredericton, NB (May 11)

[Ken]

Interesting to see if the list changes show on show

I hope not!

If there are changes, it will most likely only be plus/minus 3 songs, max.

I just looked through past set lists and saw that he didn't change much at all.

[lizzytysh]

WOW. Steve! Thank You!!

The show was incredible. Leonard's voice was very very strong - rich and deep as usual but with a strength and power that showed complete command. As a reference point, I have been a professional musician for 30 years, and I can tell you these guys were bang on the money - no mistakes - no uncertainties in the arrangements. Roscoe Beck's position as musical director again resulted in the beautiful musical sparseness that Leonard's music requires such that vocals and lyrics are placed front-and-center. All band members' performances were notable even if their individual virtuosity was easily understated by the apparent ease with which they were doing it. But, through the evening, each member got their chance to shine and shine they did.

This describes the kind of show that has resulted from Leonard's absolute commitment to precision and quality, and the privilege and opportunity other musicians get when selected by him. The show of a lifetime.

Marvelous review, Steve... thank you so much!


~ Lizzy

[Paula]

What a great review. I can't believe that it is all now on the road. It seemed to come by very quickly I am so looking forward to Manchester and the O2

[crow_ho]

Thanks for POsting the review and the photos
I was at the show lastnight and it was absolutely amazing!!!!!!

[Ken]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FpJ-xq7-g

[Rabbit]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FpJ-xq7-g

I want more! I want more!

[Paula]

He is so in his element. I am now getting really excited his voice is so strong. The Prozac is working!!!

[tomsakic]

This is small but a starter

I hope the other fans (particularly our local members) can post all items they find (reviews, photos etc.).

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/293402

First, he takes Fredericton

Published Monday May 12th, 2008

I'M YOUR MAN: Montreal native leonard Cohen, a famous poet and singer-songwriter, performs to a sold-out crowd at the playhouse on sunday night. this is his first series of concert appearances in more than 15 years. his tour will take him all over the world.

[Lissa]

Thank you so much for the pics, videos and reviews!

[Jonnie Falafel]

That really made me smile.....

[libraryref]

Everyone who saw the concert must be on cloud nine today. It was phenomenal. I've been waiting 35 years for this. Just his coming to Fredericton was enough but still, my expectations were so high I had prepared myself to be disappointed in the performance. I thought that his voice may be weak, perhaps almost a whisper. NO WAY! He demolished that idea. Leonard's voice was strong and he stretched it in ways that were very unexpected, putting lots of emotion into the songs. And the band! Wow. What musicians. The sound was nearly perfectly balanced all the time - you could hear every note from every instrument. No violin? No problem. It all worked.

Leonard was very charming and funny in his patter between songs and in the lead in material he used to introduce the songs. He mentioned Fredericton several times, noting the it has been the home for many great poets such as Bliss Carman. And he mentioned Desmond Pacey, a literary figure who worked at the University of New Brunswick. He noted Pacey had been harsh to him but that he wouldn't hold it against us (smile). It's a small world; one of Pacey's relatives was sitting just behind us. He then mentioned UNB's literary magazine, The Fiddlehead.

I won't repeat any of the other things he said, as they may be used in other concerts. There should be a notice on the Youtube link that it's a spoiler.

And, I can't leave without saying a few words about Sharon Robinson. My parents remarked that there seemed to be real chemistry between her and LC. Her voice was wonderful.

Disappointments? Sure. The LC canon is so vast that any concert is bound to leave out something any one of us would really have wanted to hear. For me, that would have been "Alexandra Leaving". Others would go through the list of songs and perhaps be upset not to see "Famous Blue Raincoat". But, really, the concert he gave was very generous and all the songs done so well that there is no cause for complaint.

[crow_ho]

Here is some audio I managed to get, not the best quality, it was through my purse

Who by fire (full song)

In My Secret Life (full song)


Everybody knows (short clip)


Hear them all together here
http://www.playzr.com/playzrs/view/5d5a ... ericton-nb

[lizzytysh]

I don't care what songs Leonard sings, as long as he's there singing them.

Whatever his reasons for selecting the setlist, which may well take into account things we're unaware of, it suits me fine. I'm glad to see so many songs from the past, as it allows others new to him to really catch up with us.

Sing on, Leonard, sing on... you're cruising at full sail, Oh, Mighty Head of State.


Love,
Lizzy

[Paula]

Crow even recorded through your bag. I am really amazed at the quality of his voice. He is 73 and his voice is very similar to the last concert I went to all those years ago.

I really can't wait I hope he takes care of his voice for England.

[crystal]

I envy you guys who have seen him last night and will see him during the next weeks. I must wait until July 21st to see him in Nice since the Berlin performance is not happening.
Anyway, thanks to everybody for the information, the video and the pictures. I am so excited...
Greetings from Berlin, Christel