I'm not a fanatic of Leonard Cohen, more a casual listener. Having been bowled over by his performance at Glastonbury a couple of years ago, (yikes just looked it up 2008) after a friend suggested going, I jumped at the chance (still owe her money for the tickets).
So arrived at Hallenstadion, Zurich, on time (in Switzerland bands start at the hour written on the tickets) and the first thing I noticed the stage was not piled high with Marshall amps ( Motorhead ) or a black backdrop (most acts). The back of the stage was draped in simple but plain white curtains that absorbed different coloured lighting throughout the evening, as the songs changed. This helped to give a more intimate feel to the evening, it reminded me of a similar style when Amy WInehouse performed at Shepherd's Bush .
Cohen opened with "Dance me to the end of Love" and that set the tone for the evening. Upbeat, professional, no messing around, pre-scripted (?) banter but musically sound and a pure joy.
The musicians are made up of professional world-class guitarists, violinist, and percussionists. For me the light tones of singers The Webb Sisters and Sharon Robertson were a perfect compliment to Cohen's deep rich cavernous voice. Cohen refers to The Webb Sisters as the "sublime" Webb Sisters throughout the show. You can check here for a full list of band members Here
Half time - quick glass of Prosecco and back to hear Cohen opened with second half with the "Tower of Song” one of my favorites. His voice goes so low at times throughout the songs that it ripples through your body up from the toes to top of the head, just like a Marshall Amp powered Bass guitar.
Sharon Roberston sang a beautiful song called "Alexandra Leaving" and then one by the Webb sisters, " If it be your will" , accompanied by one of them playing the harp, it was sublime. Hallelujah and I'm you your man sang to an appreciative but quiet Zurich crowd.
In all a great concert, we were given three hours of skillful entertainment. I think that it was a little pre-scripted at times and I felt a spark missing but I cannot fault the entertainment at all.
Just thinking if Leonard Cohen auditioned for X-Factor or the Voice, would he get through? I don't think so but this man possesses the X Factor and he has THE Voice.
Angela.
