Blue Alert

[mnkyface]

hGuy, this is hilarious and perfect except for one thing... Leonard needs to be the greeter, not a cashier.

(Does Kmart have greeters like Walmart?)

[friscogrl]

Speaking of Anjani, there seems to have been no or little mention of her since this tour.
Has anybody seen her at any of the concerts?

Marsha

[lizzytysh]

Anjani is awesome, NewsGal. I hope you get to see her perform in person one day.

So far as I'm aware, Frisco, Anjani has not been to any of the concerts on this tour. She's been busy doing things that relate to some of her many other interests, her family, and finally her work on her own, new album. I would have loved to have seen her walk onstage at the Beacon or have heard of her doing so at any other venue. There's still Detroit for me; it seems that's not to be, though. I'm beginning to hope for a bit of a delay in her new album, so I'll have the funds to go see her Live, again .


~ Lizzy

[News Gal]

She seems pretty well versed in audio and recording technology, Lizzy. I'd like to talk to her one of these days about the process both she and LC use on their albums.

[lizzytysh]

http://www.anjani-music.com/cgi-local/blah/Blah.pl

Hi NewsGal ~

The above is the link to Anjani's forum. It's a very kind, gentle, lovely place, if you care to join us there. A supportive atmosphere, and the default function greets you with "Good morning/afternoon/evening [your name]" when you arrive , and the colours there are reminiscent of a sunset. The vibe is really nice and Anjani participates, as well; though not as much as she's busy working on a new album. No guarantees that she will be able to spend much time discoursing with you on your questions, but it's all worth asking her.

Hope to see you there .


~ Lizzy

[News Gal]

Thanks Lizzy, sounds like a good idea. I'd love to talk about some of the audio tech with her.


Edit-well, I joined, but now to find out just who's where.

[sturgess66]

Nice review about "Blue Alert."

http://music4downloads.com/blues-music/ ... cddvd.html

Blue Alert (CD/DVD) Honolulu-born singer-songwriter Anjani’s story is the stuff of great fiction. After playing the New York jazz club circuit for years, she was introduced to celebrated Canadian poet, author, and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Immediately drawn to her talents, he brought her onboard as a keyboardist and vocalist, where she provided some background work on a number of his CDs. After finding a few lines of Cohen’s handwritten lyrics lying on his desk one day (specifically “there’s perfume burning in the air/bits of beauty everywhere”), Anjani was not just drawn to them, the words inspired her to write a song in their honor (”Blue Alert”). After hearing the result, the Order of Canada-winning poet was so impressed that he eventually allowed her the chance to cull through both his published and unpublished works for additional lyrics.

The result is the album "Blue Alert," a collection of gentle music tinged with styles ranging from Holly Cole to Tanita Tikaram, with an overriding sense of cool jazz throughout. Listening to “No One After You” sends the listener straight into a ’60s beatnik club, while “Half the Perfect World” incites a bossa nova feel. There are light Irish stylings sprinkled in the music as well, from the evocative lilt of “The Mist” to her mournful performance on “Crazy to Love You.” Coproducer Cohen’s rhythm and pacing is all over the disc, with Anjani’s semi-whispered drawl making the songs sound eerily Leonard-like. Fans of the legendary Canadian writer will likely be charmed by these minimalist numbers, and enjoy this new extension of his artistic reach. –Denise Sheppard

Customer Review: Leonard Cohen - you da man!!!
What can I say? Just an overall excellent mellow cd that is right up there with the best. I mean, how can you beat Leonard Cohen? The dudes a legend! His poetry/lyrics along with Anjani’s luscious etherial voice make this a keeper. I love every song on this album. Thanks for the Dance is just terrific in sadness, clarity and openess. Sample the tracks to see if it is your style. Can’t wait for her next cd.
The bonus dvd included has a couple music videos with the Golden Voice himself, LC. Neat. A real treat.

Customer Review: Smooth, lovely collection
This is a deceptively simple group of songs. Don’t mistake its gentle pace and laidback presentation for a lack of emotion and feeling. It’s beauty is in its understatement. I think Anjani does a great job of interpreting Leonard Cohen’s lyrics and songs. Anjani’s voice is sweet and engaging as she sings these ballads, thoroughly connecting with the content of the lyrics and presenting a smooth, lovely collection. This partnership should continue and Cohen should record his next CD with Anjani–she adds a special dimension to his lyrics with her beautifully constructed yet simple arrangements.

[TipperaryAnn]

I love "Blue Alert"
for late night listening, especially The Mist leaves no scar and Nightingale. Best of all is Thanks for the dance; so Leonard, gentle, melancholic. Sad yet beautiful.

[Diane]

Best of all is Thanks for the dance; so Leonard, gentle, melancholic. Sad yet beautiful.

I agree. Plus Innermost Door and Never Got to Love You. I like the entire album. Despite having seen and enjoyed Anjani live, I didn't think I'd ever listen properly as the style of music is not really my cup of tea, but finally now giving it a good hearing. Better late than never:-)

I never got to tell you
How beautiful you are

[TipperaryAnn]

I like the entire album.

Agreed, Diane. I find the more I listen the more they grow on me. I'm usually reluctant to accept cover versions of Leonard's songs, but he didn't record most of these himself - except "Nightingale" ? I actually prefer the upbeat duet version of this on "Dear Heather" , but I enjoy both .

Later edit: There is also "The mist leaves no scar" on the Phil Spector inspired "Death of a Ladies' Man" - an entirely different kettle of fish, but interesting none the less!

[rochan]

The name of it makes me think of that little terrorism alert scale here in the US. Blue is pretty much nothing going on. I can't get past that. I absolutely LOVE the album. Anjani's voice is fantastic, clear and unpretentious and so are the songs. One of the best CDs I have.

[panjandrum]

Might have been said before, but I always thought the title was related to an old term; "Blue Movie" (meaning pornographic). There was even a movie titled "Blue Movie". Over time the term "Blue" developed a connotation that would imply sexuality, such as "Blue Valentine" or "Blue Alert".

Gotta say, I think Blue Alert may be my favorite Leonard Cohen album. In fact, it might be my favorite album, period. The lyrics are glorious, perfect, and I think some of the best of Leonard's career. Combined with that voice. Wow!