Jennifer Warnes about Leonard

[jarkko]

From Marie:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u ... ohen_col_1

Reuters/Billboard


In Praise of Leonard Cohen

Sun Jan 9,10:58 PM ET World - Canada


By Jim Bessman

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Reticent singer/songwriter genius Leonard Cohen, not surprisingly, proved unavailable to discuss his new Columbia album, "Dear Heather."

Still, these are productive times for the 70-year-old Cohen's repertoire. Rhino recently released "Judy Collins Sings Leonard Cohen: Democracy," which of course includes her classic 1966 version of "Suzanne," as well as three new recordings. Former Cohen backup vocalist Perla Batalla has her own upcoming album-length homage.


Luckily, another one-time Cohen backup singer, Jennifer Warnes, whose 1987 album "Famous Blue Raincoat" remains the standard for Cohen tributes, stepped in with her ever-insightful thoughts about her friend and mentor.


"There are moments in company with Leonard, while doing something otherwise boring and simple -- like sharing a cup of coffee -- when I am struck by the possibility that ordinary life is art," Warnes says. "Art being not something we do but something that we are, and the 'product' we create flows outward from this place."


As a singer, she brings her "complicated heart to his songs, and all my various parts have been given something to sing," Warnes says.


"Non-Cohen songs often leave me wanting, unless their simplicity is quite profound," she continues. "Leonard refers to 'Blueberry Hill,' for instance, as one of those great simple/profound ones. He didn't write it, but during (his) many long hours in silent retreat, Leonard must have refined his understanding of the power of little things -- how these fit into the big picture and how the delicate timing of words can release this understanding to others."


Cohen "looks at life from far away and up close at the same time," Warnes concludes. "As a writer, he stands above, below, around and through. He opens his arms and a nameless grace, or intoxication perhaps, or better yet, something that must remain nameless, enters: A third magical element, beyond one's personal feelings and interesting material, that starts happening when great music is created and recognized."


Reuters/Billboard

[Andrew McGeever]

Jennifer referred to "Blueberry Hill" . I recall an interview with Leonard Cohen when he was asked, "What is the lyric you would love to have written?"
He replied, "The moon stood still on Blueberry Hill" .(Fats Waller)
I'm glad for her reminder, yet much of her quotes suggests Leonard is some combination of Confucius, Christ, Buddha and Mozart.
Of course this was not her intention: Jennifer, Leonard and I would resist all attempts to deify him.
Andrew.