Songs from "Energy of slaves"

News about Leonard Cohen and his work, press, radio & TV programs etc.
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Henning
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Songs from "Energy of slaves"

Post by Henning »

Lyrics now at http://www.tea-and-oranges.de/eos - Release date set to September 4
Anne
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Post by Anne »

I can't wait to hear it, Henning.
babz
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Bravo

Post by babz »

I, too, await your 'masterpiece' with great anticipation.
Love
Babz
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Andrew (Darby)
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Post by Andrew (Darby) »

Henning

Exciting news - good on you! :D

I can't wait to hear it all. Those who know the labour of love and single-mindedness this represents, I'm sure will be proud of you! 8)

Cheers
Andrew (Darby)
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Excellent, Henning. Now if I can get the missing cord [not chord :wink: ] that appears to be the culprit in my not getting any sound out of my computer.
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Andrew (Darby)
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Post by Andrew (Darby) »

NEWSFLASH!

I count it a privilege and honour to now (so soon) have in my possession Henning's Songs from "Energy of Slaves", which I've already listened to 4 times!

I think it is FABULOUS - Henning (& Lino) deserve whatever accolades they get for this great (first) effort :!: It beautifully captures that special Cohen feeling that is so critical for such a project, but with Henning's own unique voice & style - and to think that he has been so apologetic about it! Despite the production limitations, I think Henning has a small masterpiece with this album and LC will probably be thinking to himself that he should perhaps have thought of putting some of these poetry selections, as well as some of his other poems, to music as well! :wink: (Oh well, you can't do everything.)

So saying, I would highly recommend you order a copy from Henning - see LC Files for further info & email address etc.

Cheers :D
Andrew (Darby)
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Now, there's a review for you! I look forward to hearing this. When I get time, I'll get the details and send off for it. Thanks, Andrew.
Andrew McGeever
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Post by Andrew McGeever »

I fully endorse Andrew Darby's comments re "Songs from Energy of Slaves, although I've only heard "Wisdom" to date.
Congratulations, Henning! It must indeed have been a "labour of love".
I particularly like the piano accompaniment: Leonard's lyrics, while usually sung and recorded to guitar-based music, nevertheless can be enhanced with sensitive piano accompaniment, as in the case of "Wisdom".
So all you Cohenites out there, get a copy!
Andrew.
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Andrew (Darby)
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Post by Andrew (Darby) »

Andrew (Darby) wrote: So saying, I would highly recommend you order a copy from Henning - see LC Files for further info & email address etc.
Oops, it was remiss of me to not also refer you to Henning's own web-site: http://www.tea-and-oranges.de for these details! :oops:

Cheers :)
Andrew (Darby)
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Henning
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Post by Henning »

Hello Andrews and all,

I want you to know that the piano and instruments on the CD are Lino's work ! I only manage to play a few chords on the guitar. So all the songs were composed on the guitar. For "Wisdom" Lino suggested the piano to take over. And so it did.

Leonard used to compose all his songs on the guitar. This changed with "I'm your man" when he started to use the keyboard for compositions.

After "Ten new songs" I heard that he plans to go back to the roots for the next CD and do some guitar-based songs again. But what do we know ?
Last edited by Henning on Fri Sep 12, 2003 10:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

We may know as we suspect.
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Kush
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Post by Kush »

When I heard "Wisdom" I knew I had to get hold of this CD and now I have it. And it has exceeded my expectations. This is not just putting music to words....great care was taken in composing the melodies. After 4-5 listens - the first one made the rush hour drive home yesterday (with a diversion to the chinese takeout) quite a pleasurable experience - it appears there is abundant variation of melody to keep the listener coming back. And yet not too much so that the album has a theme in lyrics and melody and doesnt sound like a bunch of songs put together as an album.
The style is clearly influenced by early Cohen and captures the essence of his early albums while retaining a certain individuality that is quite different from Cohen. In the last track (Prayer) Henning sounds eerily like the early LC himself in Lady Midnight. As for the apologies of home production etc., the good stuff stands out irrespective of home or studio production. And this is as good as it gets. For the record, Springsteen's groundbreaking album, Nebraska, was cut in his bedroom.
I have to admit that I did find the accent/phrasing a little odd on the first listen but that is very quickly gotten used to. I am still looking for the banging door :D.
I would strongly recommend this album.
how long did this effort take from conception to product ? This is obviously a more involved and creative endeavor than all but the most inventive of Cohen covers.
babz
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Kudos by Kush

Post by babz »

Wow Henning, you need Kush to PR your Stateside
Promo Tour! Thanks Kush.

Babz
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dick
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Post by dick »

Linda and I wish to add our huge applause to the kind words about Henning's cd. It is an awesome accomplishment and highly enjoyable time after time --- the highest test I think for an album. Get it.

I haven't heard the door yet either!!

Dick
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Bobbie
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Post by Bobbie »

Henning dear ~

You have outdone yourself. Since August, when you sent me that prized advance copy, I have listened maybe 100 times... maybe more... never tiring of it, never bored by it, always wanting to hear more and more, always hearing something different that I didn't hear before... thank you so much for this brilliant masterpiece. I do hope Leonard listens to your very wonderful and unique labour of love.. and thank you so much, dear friend, for giving us such a gift.

Love,
Bobbie
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