Reading Review: Leonard Cohen at Vector Arena By Russell Baillie (New Zealand Herald. Jan 23, 2009), I was especially taken by the writer’s description of Cohen’s band and back-up singers:
Somehow, Cohen’s ensemble, a sort of gypsy-soul rock-noir cabaret outfit dressed, as was their fedora-ed double-breasted leader like particularly stylish members of the French Resistance, were able to shrink the vastness of the venue down to the intimate scale of the music.
I was, in fact, inspired to put together some supporting evidence for this conceptualization of the band. The result is this montage focusing on Leonard Cohen's musicians from some of my favorite photos of last year’s Leonard Cohen World Tour concerts.
I believe it does capture the spirit of the group; see what you think. (Click on graphic to enlarge image.)
Leonard Cohen Introduces Musicians
This video from the 2008 Leonard Cohen Manchester Concert not only identifies the members of the band and the backup singers but also demonstrates Cohen’s respect for his musicians.
Credit Due Department: Many of the images in the composite were adapted from photos found at LeonardCohenFiles.
I saw Leonard Cohen last night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre – stunning. I went with high expectations and he exceeded them all. Still coming down from the high!
He introduced his band twice last night as well as giving them each a silent prolonged tip of his Fedora as he wrapped up the evening. Great respect for fellow musicians and didn’t they earn it!