Leonard Cohen World Tour – One More Look At The Las Vegas And San Jose Concerts

2 Views Of The Future At Leonard Cohen San Jose Concert

The image atop this post comprises screen captures of the two videos featured in the following discussion. Click on image to enlarge.

The first video of “The Future”(see below) is shot by Bgood11 in high clarity with a steady hand from an elevated, acute angle. Because of this location with respect to the stage, the videographer, during much of the performance, focuses on the telescreen. While this is understandable, my contention is that the views of the actual performers on stage are more interesting precisely because of the unusual perspective which provides not only some nifty profiles of Leonard Cohen, Javier Mas (seated, playing the loud), and Dino Soldo (standing, woodwinds and keyboards) but also a sense of the arrangement of the performers across the depth of the stage. One also has an nicely unobstructed view of Bob Metzger (standing behind and to Leonard Cohen’s left, on guitar). Most strikingly, Roscoe Beck (standing behind Leonard Cohen, playing bass guitar), who, as viewed from the center of the audience, can sometimes appear flat and even dispassionate, can be seen, despite being partially blocked by a rope ladder, to be continuously animated and clearly involved in the performance.

For comparison, the second video below is the same song played at the same performance shot by albertnoonan from a location looking directly on the center of the stage. My issue isn’t to argue one video is better than the other but to point out that the same performance seen from contrasting perspectives reveals different and significant aspects of the showl

Leonard Cohen – The Future (San Jose, 11/13/2009)

Video from Bgood11

Leonard Cohen – The Future (San Jose, 11/13/2009)

Video from albertnoonan

3 Responses to Leonard Cohen World Tour – One More Look At The Las Vegas And San Jose Concerts

Arlene Dick | November 22, 2009 at 10:36 am |

Re: “Roscoe Beck can sometimes appear flat and even dispassionate.”

Wow. Must be a Midwest thing. Everything looks flat to you?

I totally disagree. From ALL ANGLES, I have always observed Roscoe as being movin’ in the groove. I am always amazed by him rocking his leg while playing the guitar, animated body always, doing his back up singing with verve and giving the rest of the troupe their subtle cues while wearing an earpiece for constant communication. One thing Roscoe ain’t, is flat. He is quite passionate in his southern style understated way. Absolutely charming to watch in concert.
- DrHGuy | November 22, 2009 at 10:55 am |
  
  I dunno. Perhaps, because of gender- rather than geography-based traits, you are able to focus on Roscoe more effectively than I. Now, maybe, if he were wearing red socks like the ones you supplied Dino, …
  - Arlene Dick | November 22, 2009 at 11:01 am |
    
    Touché