leonardcohenforum.com

Hi, I'm new here though I was at Montreal 2000 and had a blast.

I'm posting now because I want to spread the word about Mickey Newbury. If you are not familiar with him, Newbury was one of the greatest singer/songwriters America ever produced and his work is totally beautiful and often reminds me of Cohen, though their techniques of getting to your heart are different. His music is a mix of country, folk, jazz and sometimes pop. He often recast traditional songs in his own style as well. His voice was an amazing tenor. It is a shame he's not more known.

He just died on Sept. 28th at the age of 62.

If you go to http://www.mickeynewbury.com there is a wealth of information on him.

Here's a link to the best obituary I've yet seen:

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2002/ ... .1001.html

I really think that anyone who loves Cohen will love Newbury. I only discovered him last year, via a Scott Walker album where Walker covered two of Newbury's songs.

Well, it feels good to have posted for the first time! I live in New York so I will probably see some of you in 2004. Thanks so much for listening.

Erik

Hi Erik,
I've never heard of him ~ though, who knows, I may have heard him and not realized it. For now, I can read his obituary. At some later point, I'll be able to access his music. Thanks for this information. I know how it is to have a beloved favourite die and to share that with others, in case anyone else knew of them, as well as to express your own respect to the person and sense of loss, by so doing. He was very young.
~Lizzytysh

Dear Eric,

I've never heard of him either. The only piece I'm familar with is "American Trilogy." which we sang in high school chorus.

I was especially intrigued by his comment that "Writing is a real discipline. I would trade every song I ever wrote to not have to experience it anymore."

It seems a lot of the great writers feel this way.

Anyway I'm going to check him out.

Miranda

Well, I've just read his obituary and you're right, it's excellent. Now I know that I've obviously heard his songs, even if not necessarily him singing them. He has a very interesting look......and I also liked that line about songwriting, Miranda. That arduous, tortuous process for him and Leonard as well. He obviously felt compelled to do it, too.

he had a duty to do and he did it. At least he can look on his life in this way. he seems well respected and a guiding light..................
Georges

Hi Erik,

Thank you for posting this here. I hadn't heard about his death. I've enjoyed his music for quite a few years. He was a great writer, and personally, any song of his that I liked, I liked him singing it better than whoever had the hit with it.

Some of you might vaguely remember a song from several (a lot) of years ago that would give you an idea of some of his work. "Sunshine" If I can bring it up in my mind correctly I think it was done by Johnathan Edwards, and maybe others too. There are other more recent songs that fans of his would recall, but I just remembered this song and thought some of you would have been more likely to have heard the likes of Johnathan Edwards in those days.

Anyway, sure hate to lose him. I think the only tie I see between him and Leonard though is the end result of the song. They pretty much arrive at the same conclusion on a lot of them, but got there via different routes.

Bob

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for your replies. He was amazing. I am at work now, most unfortunately...but I certainly will post some more later!

Erik

Can you suggest an album for someone who has never heard of him? It is so interesting to discover someone new.

Hi,

The best single album to start with is "Frisco Mabel Joy" which is the only older record still in print available on its own. His other older albums are all wonderful but only available as a box set for around 100 USD. I have that, but I would recommend getting Frisco Mabel Joy first to see if you fall in love with the music the way I have.

Link to Amazon below (You'd probably have to buy it online):

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... e&n=507846

Erik