CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Concert reports, reviews, links, set lists - and meetup information + meetup reports
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sbrownblei
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sbrownblei »

Tchocolatl wrote:This shall be a concert of a lifetime. Oh! To could drop everything etc.

I am so fed up with the word "fedora" in articles. It looks like they pass the hat to each others from concert to concert. It's like the word "palpable" that popped up in almost every article that I have read lately. Palpable. Fedora. Palpable. Fedora. Shake hand, pass the hat. But "fedora" is by far worst than "palpable" in term of time duration. Can't they take a new year's resolution and use the word "Stetson" a bit, for a change? Please Santa.

A "monstruously suave stage presence", now.

I like that. :D

'CAUSE IS IT IS A FEDORA...NOT A STETSON.
There's a crack, a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in!
HMUnger
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by HMUnger »

Anyone else see Brian Williams from NBC News? He was walking among the crowd unnoticed.
sue7
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sue7 »

This was my first concert during this tour. Madison Square Garden is not the warmest or most hospitable venue, but that did not matter in the slightest. It was an incredible concert.
My personal highlights were:
Bird on a Wire: a gorgeous, bluesy version, with wonderful guitar by Mitch Watkins: different than Bob Metzger's amazing arrangement: impossible to choose one which is better. Leonard sang this as though he had just discovered it yesterday, as though it was the most urgent and important thing in the world at that moment. That he could allow me to hear this song, a song that I have known for more than 40 years, as a new revelation, was a real gift.
Come Healing: the live performance of this is so very much better than the recordings I've watched from earlier in the tour. It's hard to describe the experience of listening to this last night.
Show Me The Place: Leonard's intensity and care with this song made me see it in a whole new light.
Lover Lover Lover: I was beginning to think I would never hear this live, but it happened! I would pay for my seat over again, even if the entire concert consisted of this one song.
Hallelujah: Hearing Leonard play this in the same space that Adam Sandler butchered it (I know it was meant to be funny... I wasn't offended, just didn't find it very amusing) less than a week earlier: it was as though Sandler's satire, or anyone else's version for that matter, never existed.
Going Home.
Famous Blue Raincoat: a sublime, extraordinary performance.
Sharon's performance of Alexandra Leaving: if possible, her voice seems to have become warmer and even more centered.

Well, yes, there were an awful lot of highlights, and I'm beginning to list everything, as I think about the concert song by song. :)

The band sounded very tight and very effortless: at this point they seem to play together so naturally. I loved the addition of Alex's violin.
And Leonard's voice seemed even stronger and more beautiful; his range of emotional expression seemed to have been extended even from what it was.
From the accounts I've read, there was less talking than in some other (smaller?) venues. Mostly just hours of gorgeous music.

The audience seemed a little more subdued than the last concert I attended at MSG, where there had been an ovation for I'm Your Man which went on like thunderous waves for nearly 5 minutes.
Unfortunately I had a young woman behind me who behaved fine in the beginning, but became noticeably uninhibited as the concert went on: she had a piercingly loud voice, which she used often, and she yelled even during Thousand Kisses Deep. Only my determination not to allow anything to affect my enjoyment of the concert carried me through, and I didn't even look around at her, although the poor woman next to me had her fingers in her ears at times. Other than her, the audience was respectful.
My sincere thanks to all involved in the performance last night.
Can't wait for tomorrow evening in Brooklyn!
Sue
MaryB
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by MaryB »

Great review Sue, thank you!
1993 Detroit 2008 Kitchener June 2-Hamilton June 3 & 4-Vienna Sept 24 & 25-London RAH Nov 17 2009 NYC Feb 19-Grand Prairie Apr 3-Phoenix Apr 5-Columbia May 11-Red Rocks Jun 4-Barcelona Sept 21-Columbus Oct 27-Las Vegas Nov 12-San Jose Nov 13 2010 Sligo Jul 31 & Aug 1-LV Dec 10 & 11 2012 Paris Sept 30-London Dec 11-Boston Dec 16 2013 Louisville Mar 30-Amsterdam Sept 20
sue7
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sue7 »

Review from The Hollywood Reporter
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review ... are-404889

Image
Leonard Cohen at Madison Square Garden: Concert Review
9:41 AM PST 12/19/2012 by Frank Scheck


Leonard Cohen proves his agelessness in this gorgeous, marathon-length concert showcasing his brilliant compositions.


The 78-year-old singer-songwriter delivers a career-defining concert.

I want to be Leonard Cohen when I grow up.

After many years in hibernation, the endlessly cool 78-year-old singer-songwriter has returned to his career with a vengeance — perhaps literally so, since it was prompted by the embezzlement of his life’s savings by his former business manager. Since 2008 he’s been touring the world, playing arenas to capacity crowds and delivering shows that have been the best-received of his entire career. And the release this year of his latest CD, Old Ideas, demonstrates that he’s still -- to quote one of his best-known compositions — atop the tower of song.

At Madison Square Garden Tuesday night, Cohen delivered on the declaration he uttered early in the evening.

“I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I promise that tonight we’ll give you everything we’ve got,” he said.

And that he did, along with a superb six-piece band and a trio of back-up singers that included the sublime Webb Sisters (Charley and Hattie) and his longtime songwriting collaborator Sharon Robinson. Performing for 3 1/2 hours including intermission, he delivered a career-defining show that included numerous selections from the new release.

The tropes of his performance style are by now familiar, but no less comforting. The spry septuagenarian, clad in his trademark dark suit and fedora, belies his age by literally skipping on and off the stage. He delivers many of his vocals either crouched in intense fashion or literally on his knees, and his ability to rise to his feet effortlessly even while singing provides a testament to whatever health regimen he’s on.

Far from his amusing self-description in his new song “Going Home” as “a lazy bastard living in a suit,” the performer invests his performance with a searing intensity that takes on almost religious overtones. Even in this cavernous arena, he held the audience spellbound throughout the lengthy evening, no more so when he quietly recites his poem “A Thousand Kisses Deep.”

His demeanor is ever courtly, profusely thanking the audience several times for their attention and repeatedly introducing not only his musicians and singers but everyone down to the sound mixer and the guy who rigged the curtain. During his band member’s numerous solos, he frequently took off his hat and sat by their feet, as if in supplication.

And it was well deserved, as the multi-national musicians enhanced songs both new and familiar with gorgeous instrumental flourishes, from Alexandru Bublitchi’s beautiful violin work to Neil Larsen’s bluesy keyboards to Javier Mas’ virtuoso playing of a variety of string instruments including the oud. The music touched on many genres — folk, rock, gypsy, blues, jazz, gospel, flamenco, waltz — with effortless grace.

Highlights are too numerous to mention. Casual fans were rewarded with stirring versions of such classics as “Suzanne,” “Bird on a Wire,” “Everybody Knows,” “I’m Your Man,” “Take This Waltz,” “Famous Blue Raincoat” and, of course, the now ubiquitous “Hallelujah.” But he also dug deep into the archives with such songs as “Who by Fire,” “Lover Lover Lover” and “Chelsea Hotel #2” as well as showcasing such new compositions as “Show Me the Place,” “Amen” and the rocking “Darkness.”

The latter prompted one of the evening’s most amusing moments, as he followed it with the mock admission that “I look in the mirror and I say, Lighten up, Leonard,” before launching into “Ain’t No Cure for Love.” Later, after receiving an ovation for his twinkly keyboard playing on “Tower of Song,” he asked, “Is this charity for the elderly?”

He generously gave the spotlight to Robinson, who handled the lead vocal on “Alexandra Leaving,” and the Webb Sisters, who delivered the penultimate number, “If It Be Your Will.”

The marathon evening ended shortly before midnight with the inevitable “Closing Time.”

“It’s hell to pay when the fiddler stops, it’s closing time,” he sang in his trademark rumbling baritone. For his sake as well as ours, let’s hope that doesn’t come anytime soon.
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

I'm back home from the Big Apple and tired, but what a beautiful show it was last night at The Garden!
I was whelmed over - again and again and again.

I am not a great videographer at all - and my camera is not the best
And there was a sea of bobbing heads in front of me :D

Anyway - I just uploaded "Lover, Lover, Lover" - and it is here - an imperfect offering - :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZIoaIJixEY

I also have a full version of Chelsea Hotel (raw video) (such a beautiful performance)
But for some reason only 38 seconds is uploading on YouTube :cry:
I tried putting it at Vimeo to see if that would work - and there is video for the first 38 seconds and then complete audio continues - but with a still picture.
Anyone interested - it's here -
https://vimeo.com/55984770
I hope someone posts a good video of the MSG performance- it was really beautiful.

And - I'm also hoping for video of his MSG performance of "Amen" !

And - I very glad to see that Albert captured Chelesa Hotel from the Boston show! :D

A very beautiful arrangement with just Leonard and his guitar ...

When I was checking out of my hotel today, I went to speak to the Concierge and she asked me if I had enjoyed my stay.
I told her I was very happy - everything was fine - and especially happy that I had gone to see Leonard Cohen last night at The Garden.
She looked up - surprised - and pointed to her eyes and said that if she looked tired - that it was Leonard's fault - he had kept her up late last night. :D
She had also gone to see his show. She said that she had always liked Leonard - but that she had no idea until last night - just how good he was."
And added "I just didn't know ..."
Last edited by sturgess66 on Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:45 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

Video uploaded by nyc4321 - Thanks!

The Future
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWOTuMCSlyE

Who By Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSqc0qcRmow

Ain't No Cure For Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E__jAJsRW4M
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

Video uploaded by EnigmaWmn - Thanks

Dance Me To The End Of Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr1RvmLnz8o

A Thousand Kisses Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFFWwE4nB4o

The Future
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvFUG3hhhgQ
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

Some good video uploaded by coneyislandgirl930 - Thanks!

Lover, Lover, Lover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKzF3aebVZw

Dance Me To The End Of Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOXyLeGOymg

Bird On The Wife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhNcp4u2AjE

Who By Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-gpx_y_NA
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

A lot of these are partials - or not up close - but audio is generally good.

Video uploaded by BarnaCUNYC - Thanks!
Suzanne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJhpq9oPJzI

***************
Video uploaded Riley Fields - Thanks!
Bird On The Wife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqo6E9hTplo

*****************
Video uploaded by Kinomanka - Thanks!
Waiting For the Miracle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSi1dnuzwcM

********************

Video uploaded by Aleksandr Abelev - Thanks!
In My Secret Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU3Pf5LlVTM


****************
Uploaded by Kelly Wilkie - Thanks!
Hallelujah (partial) (A standing ovation after the song - captured at the end of the video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsBwCDbFvyc

**************
Video uploaded by kunstcleaver - Thanks!
Famous Blue Raincoat (audio is good - description says "captured through binoculars :lol: )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_xXCAOQNJk
Everybody Knows
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIC0HMUjBFY

***************
Video uploaded by lp55555 - Thanks!
Hallelujah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tOZ5lFekkg

*****************
Video uploaded by yrazdobudko - Thanks!
Suzanne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuZHV8MfVes
Who By Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ebi1rCoxUM
Waiting For the Miracle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRqTjW4j1Zc

*****************
Video uploaded by
A Thousand Kisses Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R1K83Nju8Y

*****************
Video uploaded by crf1676 - Thanks!
Take This Waltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La9LcxrflBs

****************
Video uploaded by killerkadooogen - Thanks
Darkness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1OZz4FdivY

****************

Video uploaded by gcsimrak - Thanks
If It Be Your Will
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHp7NufM1I
Last edited by sturgess66 on Thu Dec 20, 2012 7:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

I think I got Leonard's set list - complete with black electrical tape. :lol: 8)
msg_setlist.jpg
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dari
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by dari »

Last night was truly magical.
Leonard was charming and gracious, as always. Sharon, the Webb Sisters and the band were in great form.

I happened to sit next to another forum member who was delightful.
Wanda, it was great to meet you. It was really fun talking to you and seeing you enjoying the concert so much.

Here is a video from last night that I did. I was being watched, so it was a little difficult to do much video.
At one point I was told to stop. :-) I did take a lot of photos though.

First We Take Manhattan
http://youtu.be/VTYlEmFa_Uo

Thanks to Leonard and all involved for such a great evening... bravo!
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sturgess66
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by sturgess66 »

dari wrote:Last night was truly magical.
Leonard was charming and gracious, as always. Sharon, the Webb Sisters and the band were in great form.

I happened to sit next to another forum member who was delightful.
Wanda, it was great to meet you. It was really fun talking to you and seeing you enjoying the concert so much.

Here is a video from last night that I did. I was being watched, so it was a little difficult to do much video.
At one point I was told to stop. :-) I did take a lot of photos though.

First We Take Manhattan
http://youtu.be/VTYlEmFa_Uo

Thanks to Leonard and all involved for such a great evening... bravo!
A wonderful video dari !! Thanks so much. And after all - Leonard was taking Manhattan!
So glad you captured that - and sorry you were being restricted !

No one was bothering people where I was sitting about taking pictures or video.
Also - all my neighbors were very nice.
There was one very enthusiastic woman a few rows in front - but - not really too disruptive - more amusing than anything with her gestures. :lol:
After "Take This Waltz" - there were people who tried to "rush the stage" - but they were repelled - and sent back to their seats.
Esther Cohen was in attendance - enjoying the show :) - sitting close to where I was sitting.

This was the first time that I have seen Leonard in an arena. I do prefer those wonderful old theatres -
BUT - it was stunning to see the huge arena filled with people - to the rafters.
And there is little doubt - Leonard Cohen can tame an arena. :D
Last edited by sturgess66 on Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.
James2001
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Re: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by James2001 »

Dear friends, what a wonderful night.

Apologies in advance for the low quality video. But here is 'Tower of Song'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAyt7Wz ... e=youtu.be

I have some photos that I will share when I can work out how and make the time.

Best. James

And thanks to Jarkko for this forum.
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Hartmut
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AW: CONCERT REPORT: New York City, NY - December 18, 2012

Post by Hartmut »

Awesome. Thank you, James!
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