John Bilezikjian

[elcord]

I just read on another forum (Mike's Oud Forum) that John Bilezikjian died on 19th January 2015. As forum member know John Bilezikjian was responsible for some of the most expressive instrumental contributions to Mr Cohen's work in the late 1970s and beyond. Vale a great artist. The Oud forum passed on the following information from John's family regarding services and the funeral.

Friday January 30 @ 7pm - Vespers
McCormick and Sons Mortuary
25000 Moulton Pkwy
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
949-768-0933

Saturday January 31 @ 11am - Funeral
St. James Armenian Apostolic Church
4950 W Slauson Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90056
323-295-4588

[John Etherington]

Here' appropriately, is John playing on The Guests from 1979 (he's wearing a red shirt):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0la2cHLlYYs

You may have to copy and paste the link.

[yopietro]

His oud playing added so much to Leonard Cohen's music. He brought both the shtetl and the desert into the soundscape of Leonard's songs. His playing was soulful, timeless, and virtuosic. Thank you for all of the beautiful music Mr. Bilezikjian.

[Wybe]

http://youtu.be/pty1QQ2aIR0

John Bilezikjian, in action. Playing The Parisan in 1988 Austin City Limits

[oblivion]

Very sad news... i always loved John Bilezikjian playing the Oud and
bringing the oriental flair into Leonard´s music, underlining the Melancholia of the poems.

[phillip]

sorry to hear the news he was a great player

[mutti]

I'm grateful I got to see John Bilezikjian play live in Vancouver in 1988. I had never heard anything like it before. He was an amazing musician. I hope he had an easy passing...
Leslie