We did not get a chance to see Leonard Cohen live, but I have listened to him for a long time. I bought Songs of Leonard Cohen a couple of years after it was released.
One of the songs on the album was Sisters of Mercy, which Cohen wrote here in Edmonton. As he told the story, he sat in his hotel room, looking out the window, and below he saw nuns walking to and from their convent. He determined they belonged to the Sisters of Mercy and wrote this song.
Leonard Cohen also wrote Hallelujah. My favourite version is by kd lang, another Canadian artist. We have many songs from various stages of her career.
Kathy and I have attended concerts by kd lang (another great Canadian artist) and her version is spell-binding. She has a pure voice and sings with so much power I have goose bumps.
In keeping with bell hooks and Noam Chomsky, I consider myself a public and dissident intellectual. Part of my work is to move beyond (transcend) institutional dogmas that bind me to defend freedom, raising my voice to be heard on behalf of those who seek equity and justice in all their forms.
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I hadn’t heard the Leonard Cohen song you’ve highlighted, Ivon – easy listening and mellow.
As for KD Lang: What a remarkable rendition of this beautiful melody/song. Her breath control must be amongst the best in the world… An absolute delight.
I think the album it was on was published in 1968 and was his first as he transitioned from being a poet to sharing his lyrics musically. His early voice was rich.
kd is a favourite of mine and has been for years as she transitioned from channeling Patsy Cline (her words), to jazz, and back to torch and twang country. I have seen her live several times over the years and she is a wonderful live performer.
Beautiful songs, and beautiful artists both. I was so lucky to see Cohen live twice – once in Victoria in about 92 when “The Future” came out, and then much later about 2012 in Vancouver … Fran and myself were there. He gave it his all for at least 3 hours, and I can only describe it as a religious experience. Apparently it took him a few years to write Hallelugh, unsure on which verses to include and always changing them. If you listen to Cohen’s recorded version compared KD Langs, they sing different verses. His book “Stranger Music” includes all 7 verses. I didn’t know the history behind the Sisters of Mercy. So many amazing songs by Cohen… indeed, music as prayer.
I thought I noticed some differences, so I am glad to hear it was not just me. He was a wonderful and eccentric person, playing on his being a poet I think.
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ivonprefontaine
Love KD. She’s fantastic and I also like her version best. 🙂 I’v been listening to her for ages. Amazing voice.
She has one of those pure voices and reminds me of another Canadian singer, Joni Mitchell in that sense.
KD Lang brings feeling into the 21st century. Moves me in an unencumbered way. Thank you Ivon for sharing both wonderful artists and poets. 🙏
You are welcome. She performs barefooted and has tremendous energy for a 50 something.
I hadn’t heard the Leonard Cohen song you’ve highlighted, Ivon – easy listening and mellow.
As for KD Lang: What a remarkable rendition of this beautiful melody/song. Her breath control must be amongst the best in the world… An absolute delight.
I think the album it was on was published in 1968 and was his first as he transitioned from being a poet to sharing his lyrics musically. His early voice was rich.
kd is a favourite of mine and has been for years as she transitioned from channeling Patsy Cline (her words), to jazz, and back to torch and twang country. I have seen her live several times over the years and she is a wonderful live performer.
that’s the right year but it actually took him years to write
Love Leopard. Love KD.
KD is terrific. I was lucky enough to see Leonard perform live a few years ago. One of my favorite concerts. Cheers!
I spoke to someone who saw Leonard live and they made similar comments. They said he interacted so well with the audience.
kd is a great performer and has a different audience here, in Edmonton her hometown. than other places. I have seen her in both settings.
Beautiful songs, and beautiful artists both. I was so lucky to see Cohen live twice – once in Victoria in about 92 when “The Future” came out, and then much later about 2012 in Vancouver … Fran and myself were there. He gave it his all for at least 3 hours, and I can only describe it as a religious experience. Apparently it took him a few years to write Hallelugh, unsure on which verses to include and always changing them. If you listen to Cohen’s recorded version compared KD Langs, they sing different verses. His book “Stranger Music” includes all 7 verses. I didn’t know the history behind the Sisters of Mercy. So many amazing songs by Cohen… indeed, music as prayer.
I thought I noticed some differences, so I am glad to hear it was not just me. He was a wonderful and eccentric person, playing on his being a poet I think.
🙂 Yes Ivon … a good way to describe him. His book of poetry and song I mention to you is all over the map.
Hallelujah is one of my favorite songs. I hadn’t heard KD Lang’s version before. Thank you for sharing, I really like it.
It is a beautiful song, which is performed so differently by each artist I have heard.
I love his music.
It is inspiring.
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WAY TO GO! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, YOU MARVELOUS TEACHER TYPE, YOU!
Thank you Jonathan. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your loved ones.
Sure did—except see my last poem of tonnight—this am?
K d lang was my favorite rendition of this great, timeless piece, until I heard Pentatonix do it!!!
I will have to check that version out. When kd does this song, the hair on your body stands up. She has such a sweet and powerful voice.
I love that song!
It has been performed well by several artists. We heard kd perform it twice and it is goosebump creating to hear her version live.