Anjani and Leonard in Europe, USA and Canada

[lizzytysh]

Since I lost what I'd written, I'll try again, so I can then find some sleep.

You did such a good job of showing your generosity that I thought there might be room to slip in some of my greed.

Even in your greed, you are uniquely generous and gracious. Remarkably so.

Yes, of course, I would be filled with joy, no doubt, were I to meet again, much less spend real-life time with Leonard. After 30 years, who could imagine that I wouldn't and I would do all I could to describe those feelings accurately and precisely, as I know how it feels to read those of others who do. I shall admit that you carried me away with your possibilities; yet, not so far that I didn't find myself back to earth. The laws of gravity don't require much observation.

I have to wonder if Fljots's use of the term 'pity' might actually apply here. With so many clamouring and bidding for Leonard's attention, each with their own slant and justification as to why they should be the one ~ an interview here; a conversation there; just one photo; a signature, please; could you give this a listen; may I get your input; would you mind passing this on; may I shake your hand; do you think this would be a good idea; could you sing just one song; will you share your wisdom; may I make a film; I have an article I want to write; oh, I would love to do a photo shoot; can you check out this contract... the list is endless.

The 'distance' that seems requisite with 'pity' is inherently there between the observer and the observed. Leonard is surrounded by worldwide vultures of culture who want to cannibalize him with demitasse spoons. The low-grade stress is unimaginable to me. He does well in protecting his privacy; yet, he knows that one misstep could result in a whole new onslaught of bidders. There's that old song I know you remember... "A Town Without Pity" ~ it seems one might say this in describing how it is for him to live with so many wanting a piece of him... just a brief encounter. Might we feel pity for someone being forced to live their life having to protect their privacy and integrity [the uninterrupted wholeness] of their life. I think, maybe...

There are some here whom I know would enjoy an account of such a meeting... I would be one of them. Still, my highest joy would be in knowing that I hadn't imposed on him, and he hadn't compromised what he had really wanted to do, in order to accommodate me. New York can be a cacophony of energy, as it is... yet, even if you enjoy the concurrent and ongoing stimulation of your senses, it can be difficult to find rest.

My scheduling of Anjani's concert was never predicated upon Leonard's attendance. That was, as Geoffrey so aptly put it, the wrapping of the beautiful gift of Anjani. Speaking of her, have you never heard her entire cd "Sacred Names" ~ I know that it is one of those songs that Geoffrey is so in love with. It's a very deeply considered and reverent recording. I know you would love it. You would also really enjoy the lyrics written by this woman whom Leonard loves.

I'm really honoured, Jack, that you're saying these kind things about my expressions of joy. Does it matter that I wouldn't mind at all if Leonard and Anjani slept in the morning after a night of performance... and concentrated on sound checks and relaxation with tea before it? When they finally rose for breakfast that they just went with room service, or met with old friends from New York?

My time is limited, very limited, in New York on this trip. The thought even crossed my mind to just wait and fly to L.A. for her performance there... there are some really great flight deals for that distance. Still, I'm committed to New York.

I wouldn't suggest that what you're suggesting isn't reasonable... on some level, it is or would be, if circumstances were different. Yet, such a meeting as you've described would come out of the result of pressure and some non-descript feeling of obligation... and I don't want that. Leonard's heart is big with many places in it both large and small. I've no doubt he would love to bring us all joy; yet, he does it all the time for us, in many different ways. At this very point in his life, however, his plate is full... and near spilling over.

Reading your posting has caused me to feel good and I've no doubt it would make Leonard feel the same... well, after he got past those tensing muscles that instinctively respond to pressure, of course. I would be the last to presume to plan or change his itinerary, however... and... and...

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Ah let it be, yeah let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Yeah let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah let it be
Oh there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah let it be
Oh there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Ah let it be, yeah let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

That's how I feel, Jack.


Thank you for being so kind.



Love,
Lizzy

[lightning]

"Fame is a curse."
The Talmud

[lazariuk]

If Anjani were to come to my city to sing in a club I would go and listen to her. And I'm sure I would enjoy her artistry very much. But I would not take off from work, buy an airline ticket, and book hotel reservations to hear Anjani sing in a pub in NYC.

No one is going to NYC just to hear Anjani sing. Even if she's singing Leonard's songs! They are going in hopes of catching a glimpse of Leonard Cohen.

What you are writing is totally baffling. If I had the money to spare I would certainly fly to New York to see an Anjani concert. I think what she has done with his songs is more beautiful than anything I have ever heard by him. The immediate experience is more beautiful. I have never listened to any CD of his as many times just for the pure pleasure of the listening as I have for hers and I had his very much longer. I had one album since I think 1965 and I don't think I have listened to ti as much as "Blue Alert"

On the other hand I live in Montreal and many the time had opportunities to catch a glimpse of Leonard but I would probably never even consider going across town to catch such a glimpse, and you're suggesting that people would make hotel reservations book a flight and go across the country for such a glimpse. Gee I would probably get kicked out of your Leonard Cohen fan club.

[lizzytysh]

Hi Christine ~

Not as early as I'd planned . I had meant to tell Red Poppy that, yes, I do have a job to go to ... and I nearly didn't make it there this morning. Just a brief response here and maybe I'll finally be on my way... you know the hours past midnight have an exponential effect/impact on you, right? Unless you're a night owl, which I'm not.

So... on to eeey.

Hi eeey ~

Oh, that's good to be helping you prove your point. I don't know how long you've been back around or reading and geez-oh-pete, I've no idea where exactly to locate it, and I sure won't tonight. However... I may do it later and if I find the info, I'll bring it here.

When I made my reservations, I didn't know that Leonard may/may not... would/wouldn't be there. I knew Anjani would. I was determined to not live with the same kind of regret that I did when I missed "Came So Far for Beauty" in New York. The reports were marvelous and I kicked myself for not going. It was related to Leonard only insomuch as they were his songs; some singers he knows performed; Julie and Perla were there; and Esther attended along with some fans I already know. I have and have listened a lot to Blue Alert; I love it and Anjani's voice. I resolved to not miss another wonderful event, again. Even with the wording you've noted of "Leonard Cohen Introduces Anjani" ~ I questioned its literal application right from the beginning... may even have been the first to ponder it on the Forum. Still, a friend noted to me in PMs that the wording for the second date in New York did not include the "Leonard Cohen Introduces" verbiage... and this person believed that Leonard wouldn't be there. I was, of course, delighted when I [thought I had] learned that he actually was going to attend the two dates in New York; yet, I still related that I really didn't care in terms of going or not going based on that, as that wasn't the impetus for my going in the first place. I made my reservations for the second date, based on my work schedule, it's true.

All that said, if the possibility actually exists to possibly meet Leonard, would I attend on a date that they would both be around? Certainly. Of course, I would. After 30 years of listening, I wouldn't consider the stance of "Well, whatever I do, I'm sure not going to go when I know Leonard's going to be there." Even so, Leonard's not going to be there... in the same sense that he's going to be for the first show. He won't be performing and, as Geoffrey noted, he may just slip out, during or even before the second show. The reality is that I may not get to meet him. That's the bottom line and one that I can live with... yet, that doesn't mean I'm going to live, trying to ensure it never happens, either. Of course, if the opportunity exists, I'm going to maximize my chances for doing so. After 30 years, anyone would, I would think. I'm going to see Anjani on either date... that's a given.

As I said, I was matter-of-fact without even a whine when I related to my supervisor that he wouldn't be attending [and I believe it was a misunderstanding of what was/wasn't intended by the verbiage... and that the one date was the only true intended one, to begin with], so it apparently wasn't meant to be. It didn't occur to me to switch dates [my work schedule, the cost of flights, etc.] until she responded, asking if I were going to... even then, I brought up the cost of switching [which I expected to be higher than it is]... and that it would be the middle of the week vs. the weekend... and I'd have to miss work. I really didn't consider that this idea would be well received. However, it was, and I can still rearrange my schedule to lessen the impact.

When you miss things you could have arranged a way to attend, and then start hearing and reading the reports, your motivation increases exponentially... [just a little background for your consideration, eeey]... it happened with the official Event on Hydra, too. I don't like crowds; I didn't think I'd care for an organized Event such as that; there wasn't much time; I didn't know anyone; I had little money... ~ and, then, I started reading the reports. This will be my third year going to Hydra... Leonard's not been to a single one of the Leonard-related Events or gatherings that I've attended... and they've cost me a lot more time and money than this trip to New York.

When we spoke of the cost to change tickets, I commented that I really didn't know... as no one seems to know... whether Leonard intends to tour with his next album. Even if he did on a limited basis, it would be nowhere near me, so I'd still have to fly, and the venue would be larger... or the same size, but further away. Many unknowns. I said, "You know, the cost of switching my ticket could end up looking pretty paltry in the long run and she agreed." So, it may seem like I'm trying to move heaven and earth to accommodate a change of plans; but my experience with the airline industry has been such that trying to resolve even the minutest problem or change the tiniest detail can feel like trying to move heaven and earth. It goes with the territory.

As for a pub in New York City, I get the sense that you're more accustomed to such venues... however, for me, eeey, a pub in New York City can be a destination in itself. I love the ambience of New York City... and a pub there is ideal for seeing Anjani. It may help to remember that I've been rather culturally deprived for awhile now... I hope to go to a NYC thrift shop on the day of my arrival, as well; and find some other things to do. It's New York City.

I would still like to meet Leonard... I still hope I do meet Leonard... if I don't meet him, however, I won't grouse that I didn't.

I'm glad that you feel I missed your point and that you didn't mean to be as harsh as you were seeming. You have no idea what a wonderful voice she has... I would love for you to listen to the Warsaw concert.

As for Anjani being enough... yes, Anjani is enough... however, perhaps, if I phrase it differently, it'll be clearer. Enjoying hearing Anjani and enjoying seeing Leonard are not mutually exclusive. I can do both quite well... I see no reason to restrict the possibilities, if a relatively minor change of plans expands them. As I said earlier, of course I want to see Leonard... unless I was lobotomized by aliens in my sleep.

When I'm soothed as I listen to Anjani sing, however, Leonard isn't there... he's in the lyrics, yes... he's in her thoughts, yes... by the one I'm hearing and loving the sound of is Anjani. My heart will respond and embrace this experience, whether or not Leonard is there when I am. You will not hear complaints from me if he's not.

Now, eeey, all these voices out of the past have me wondering, again... should we be looking to stock some t-shirts that read... on top "Coco" and beneath it "[YdF]"; on top "Vesuvius" and beneath it "[YdF]"; on top "Mr. Ed" and beneath it "[YdF]"; on top "Glory-Hog" and beneath it "[YdF]"; on top "Young dr. Freud" and beneath it "[YdF]"; and on top "eeey" and beneath it "[Ydf]" ~ just wondering. Better yet, perhaps; t-shirts with the generic "[YdF]" and above it, an empty black line ___________ and a black, magic marker enclosed with each one, for writing in whatever screen name applies. That would be more efficient and cost-effective. It would be great to find out that you're really just 'you'... eeey.

Okay... another late night. Oh, my.

Goodnight, Christine and eeey.


~ Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

Ah! Now, I see Lightning and Jack... goodnight to you two, as well.

Great excerpt from The Talmud, Lightning... one I'm certain has not been lost on Leonard, and may even be instrumental in his choices of simplicity and humility of his lifestyle... minimize the output of one's fame into the world, and you'll lessen the impact.

I really appreciate and agree with your point, Jack, about repeated and repeated and repeated listenings to "Blue Alert" ~ the immediate experience is all-encompassing. For awhile, as soon as it ended, I simply felt compelled to replay... again and again and again. I was singing the songs, anticipating the lyrics, the beginnings of the next, they were there with me, day and night, on the auto-replay of my mind. Mesmerizing and hypnotic. As Leonard has commented, Anjani's voice takes up all of the bandwidth... and not just electronically.

I'm really looking forward to being in the same room when she sings... and plays the piano.


Goodnight.



~ Lizzy

[gingermop]

No one is going to NYC just to hear Anjani sing. Even if she's singing Leonard's songs! They are going in hopes of catching a glimpse of Leonard Cohen.

It was billed as Leonard Cohen Introduces Anjani. That's the reason fans snapped up the tickets. The expectation was that (at the very least) Leonard would say a few words.

eeey

I completely agree. If Anjani was not connected in any way to Leonard (ie, singing her own songs, with her own words), then her fanbase/those who bought her CDs would be massively smaller, even to the point of her being obscure, I think.

This is not to belittle her talents, as she is obviously talented, but she is not a stand-out artist unless she is a conduit for the work of Leonard, who IS a stand-out, in any capacity. I think fans of Leonard are kidding themselves if they thought they would still cross the country / globe for Anjani if she was completely seperate from Leonard.

In all the interviews, who gets asked most of the questions? Do they ask anjani about her influences, her history, her future plans for her own music? Not really, because the media want and love Leonard, just like his fans do.

Anjani's not daft. She's rightfully enjoying a career by hanging on to the coat-tails of an enduring star. Leonard is obviously happy with this arrangement too, as he gets to have his work heard without the associated slog of touring and recording. However, to say that we'd all love Anjani sans Leonard is a fallacy.

Gina

[John Etherington]

Hi Gina,
I think flying to New York just to catch a glimpse of Leonard is obssesive
to say the least (especially when nothing is guaranteed). Though maybe if I had the money, and I thought it might be the only chance I get to see Leonard again, then I would do the same. Actually, I think this tour was done the wrong way. I think they should just have billed it as Anjani, booked into small concert halls, and brought Leonard on as a special guest, as appropriate. That way, those who wanted to see Anjani (and I'm sure there were enough people already clued-in) would have booked. Then, if Leonard appeared, it would have been an added bonus. By the way, I've recently purchased Anjani's first two albums -"Anjani" and "Sacred Names"- and they're both very beautiful. They are different to the new album, there's even a hint of Kate Bush at times (agree Jarkko?). Admittedly it was the link with Leonard that made me listen to
Anjani in the first place, and in this respect I'm very grateful to him.

[lazariuk]

This is not to belittle her talents, as she is obviously talented, but she is not a stand-out artist unless she is a conduit for the work of Leonard, who IS a stand-out, in any capacity. I think fans of Leonard are kidding themselves if they thought they would still cross the country / globe for Anjani if she was completely seperate from Leonard.

At this time during the complete rush of the historical moment she is singing beautiful inspiring songs in an enthralling way. Why should anything else matter?

[lizzytysh]

Hi Gina ~

My feelings on the things you've pointed out for why you feel as you do, are different from yours. It feels to me that, perhaps because of so many people's obsessiveness with Leonard [including flying to New York, especially when nothing's guaranteed ~ I guess my points are still not being accurately understood and taken on that , but that's okay ], that someone coming to us through his inner sanctum is going to be automatically viewed through a harsher lens and subjected to a deeper level of criticism, than if they were judged wholly as a new person on the scene. I'm happy to report that my lens has held her in laser focus with diamond brilliant hues. It may even seem audacious, bordering on exploitive[?] on her part that Anjani would be ushered in so seamlessly onto the popular music scene via Leonard.

However, people are discovered in many different ways... and this is exactly what has happened with Anjani. She has had the good fortune to be in close proximity to Leonard for a long enough time to have learned invaluable things about vocal expression through his mentoring. With her classical background, she has also brought a different level of musical expression to his lyrics. It's been very much a win-win sharing and her renderings of his lyrics are the most remarkable and beautiful that I've ever heard by anyone other than him. Unique and without any feeling of compulsion to try to make them be a 'second Leonard' ~ though, he finally heard "The Mist Leaves No Scar" in a way perfectly suited to the desires he had for that song; yet, could never locate himself. This album is a sublime meditation.

It seems some judgements are coming mid-stream to what the norm would be in partnerships. Leonard is 72, soon to be 73; and Anjani is several decades his junior. His time on the 'popular' music scene is significantly longer than hers; and, for the most part, he has been obscure, as well... with many more years having been available to him to become known. Anjani is self-reportedly one who prefers to live a quiet life... and from what I've read, hasn't given much attention to promoting her own career... or getting someone to do it for her. She's mentioned depression, which will certainly undercut motivation in any direction.

Yet, through her association and then, later, close association with Leonard, she has been exposed to still different avenues for becoming known. Not to take advantage of Leonard, at all... this album was sparked as a result of her curiousity on a relatively brief lyric, and Leonard's hearty endorsement of the results.

When I've heard people talk about other collaborations, they haven't tended to diminish the merit or likelihood of success of one or the other, but rather focus on the magical combination of the two. Though in a different venue, I think of examples like Lerner and Loewe; Rodgers and Hart; Rodgers and Hammerstein; Simon and Garfunkel; the Beatles; and many others. They tend to focus on the magic of their coming together and how one enhances the other and the beauty of the result.

For Anjani to have grown older and wiser and more life-experienced, until one day she finds herself singing with a different kind of voice, with which both she and Leonard are immensely pleased, speaks well of her future, whether she's recording with him or solo. Who cares where she was before, in terms of the validity of where she's at now? She had made some CDs on her own. She had obtained a classical music education which has served her well in being able to compose perfect melodies befitting the lyrics of a song, and able to give a vocal and interpretive delivery and her own piano that neither overshadow nor fail to rise to the level necessary to meaningful rendering. People seem to be saying that she can't be considered too significantly, if looked at, apart from Leonard; yet, it seems to me that they are the ones who are falling short in not applying the proper criteria and measures for assessing her.

Anjani took such masterful ownership of Leonard's lyrics, including the ones that her urging and support inspired him to write 'quickly,' that as I listen to "Blue Alert," the fact of these being primarily 'Leonard's lyrics' fades in and out of my awareness. I hear these songs through the filter of my own heart, and then through Leonard's and Anjani's... I listen to the phenomenal, bittersweetly tender voice of Anjani who calls out to her lover through these words, as I do with any singer's song. I don't listen thinking, "These are Leonard's lyrics that Anjani is singing." It just doesn't happen that way, though that thought occasionally wafts through my mind... however, it never brings any feelings of dissatisfaction.

I know that sometimes there's just no accounting for personal taste... it is what it is for whatever reason. I don't see this as a situation that is in that category at all, however; my deep admiration and appreciation of Anjani's work is very objectively observable. It feels quite odd to see someone try to define the reasons for mine, as you seem to be trying to do here, GingerMop:

I think fans of Leonard are kidding themselves if they thought they would still cross the country / globe for Anjani if she was completely seperate from Leonard.

I'm not kidding myself at all... and I've only become aware of Anjani via her association with Leonard, so that status has always been status quo, so impossible to separate out. The problem with this comment is that it seems to suggest an inability on the appreciator's part to hear what they hear objectively, without being hopelessly swayed toward the positive because she's put his words to music and song. "Hanging on the coattails of" someone also suggests a lacking in the person who's hanging on, as though they couldn't make it on their own. I very much disagree with both of your premises and conclusions here. It's very true that Leonard's fans do want Leonard, but most of them have broader scopes of appreciation in music and are able to appreciate Anjani in her own right.

Leonard is obviously happy with this arrangement too, as he gets to have his work heard without the associated slog of touring and recording.

This is an odd conclusion that doesn't do Leonard any justice. Leonard works extremely hard and continuously, both writing and recording... and then does tour, as he's just shown.

However, to say that we'd all love Anjani sans Leonard is a fallacy.

It's very clear that your posting speaks to your own positions and opinions and those you seem to be projecting onto some other Cohen fans; however, it simply doesn't speak at all for mine. I have a very clear sense of what I like and don't like; and I'm, generally, able to access and describe the/my reasons why.

I know what the essence of this reminds me of... the 'furor' that surrounded John Lennon's alliance with Yoko Ono. The parallels aren't exact, of course, but the essence is the same. Yoko could also be considered as 'obscure' at that point; though John was not as obscure as Leonard is on the world scene.

This is the second time I seem to be echoing you, Jack. I had all but the final construction of my last sentence here written, and had to go for an hour-long meeting, till just now when I could come back, finish my sentence and submit this. [Of course, now at 3:33 PM EST, I've added to it since making this comment at its original, posting time.] I'm glad to see you in agreement. Not that I'm surprized or should be; just glad to see it is all.


~ Lizzy

[John Etherington]

Hi Lizzy,

That was a great piece of writing, and probably the best post that I've read from you. However, I also think that Gina's post contains a lot of truth and that she did not intend to be overly critical of Anjani. It is difficult to decide on how best Anjani might be promoted, because her work is quite subtle and her approach to the business, it seems, fairly low-key. Thus "Leonard Cohen presents Anjani" was guaranteed to bring her name to a far greater number of people, than presenting Anjani in her own right. The great problem of course that Leonard's re-appearance (however brief) may ironically have eclipsed Anjani's presence to a very large degree.

All good things, John E

[lizzytysh]

Hi John ~

Thanks. I agree that it seemed it may not have really been Gina's intention to be overly critical of Anjani; yet, it seems to have come out that way, regardless, enough for me to respond to it as that, as there were so many premises, with which I don't agree and upon which it was built... ones I would call false premises.

The wording of that billing is a little tricky. Even so, I questioned its veracity from the beginning... with questions to the effect of, "Is Leonard going to literally be introducing Anjani? Or, is it Leonard metaphorically introducing Anjani to the listening world, via his allowing her to use his lyrics?" I actually had no idea which way the answer to that question was going to go. It seems, too [though I didn't notice it at the time, but a friend of mine here did], that the first N.Y. date was billed as you've said; and the second N.Y. date didn't include "Leonard Cohen Introduces . . . "

It makes perfect sense to me that Leonard would legitimately be involved in Anjani's promotion as the entire album is comprised of his lyrics... and they are together and live their lives together, daily. He is as integral to the process of this album as she is... and she is as integral to it as he is. He's better known and certainly well respected; yet, her performing publicly hasn't even been that vast... and here she is going out there as the lead, not the back-up... not in a recording studio, but in real time, with a Live audience that will be observing and commenting on virtually every move she makes and every sound she utters. Her support system is Leonard. He is her mentor; she is his protegee with where she has gone with this album. She had a musical life of her own; yet, now she has entered still another realm. A realm shared with Leonard. I feel it would be more surprizing if Leonard hadn't been involved in her promotion. The promotional concerts were set up and billed as that very thing. Now, it's the beginning of Anjani's own tour... and Leonard and she have no doubt determined that now the dove shall fly on her own... and they're moving to the edge of the nest with her concerts in New York.

I know what you're saying about Leonard's appearance and the irony of it with regard to eclipsing Anjani; however, from all the reports I've been reading that's really not what's been happening. People are ebullient in their praise and comments on Anjani, as both an artist and a gracious, graceful person. I watched her on the NRK interview in Oslo and she sparkled with good humour and glowed with sensitivity and caring. When people met with her in person after the shows, the very same nature of reports followed. Anjani is very much her own person. Leonard didn't fall in love with a Leonard clone. When the mist finally cleared, he saw the woman standing there... and, now, they are sharing her with us. Everyone who has seen her seems to be delighted and, as her site notes, the promoters are already scheduling follow-up appearances in Europe for her. So, at most, I might say that at times there may have been some minor eclipsing, but I can't agree with its having been to a very large degree. Not at all. It's simply that Leonard is established and deeply loved and very reclusive in terms of public appearances; so, of course, people want to see him and want to hear what he has to say. He's come out with two fairly recent albums and a recent book of poetry, and is working on still another album, having just heavily participated in this one of Anjani's.

It's like ignoring the elephant in the living room to consider interviewers NOT asking Leonard questions, as well. Everybody knows that Anjani will continue to tour; no one knows but what each interview, each appearance, he holds may be his last. He apparently doesn't care much for interviews, and has announced no decision as to whether he'll tour with his upcoming album. As much as people want him to, he didn't for his last two... and this one, can be considered as at least partially his album, and he's done some limited touring with it. Even so, people know that he's likely to just stop and say, "That's it. I'm done. I've decided to stay home when the next one is released." So, of course, interviewers are going to turn to him with questions. It's clear that both Leonard and Anjani understand that very thing and that neither appear to object.

I feel that Leonard's participation to the relatively-lesser extent that it was, was only a good thing. It lent her his energy onstage in doing duets that they love to do and obviously do at home sometimes. It brought focus to her; yet, why not? I'm not sure how or why that's being considered in a somewhat jaded light.

I agree, too, that Anjani appears to be low key in most every way... her personality, her lifestyle, and her approach to the business world of records. It seems that she and Leonard have quite a bit in common in this. I just don't see the 'problems' that some others seem to see with how they're negotiating all of this.


All good things to you, too, John,
Lizzy

[John Etherington]

Thanks for such a well-considered reply, Lizzy. I realise now that a show I would like to see would be billed as "The songs of Anjani, and the poetry of Leonard Cohen". Thus Anjani would get full-recognition and we would get a chance to see Leonard again". Also, because the billing would make it clear what we were getting, there hopefully wouldn't be the same frenzied cleaning-up by the touts. Even better, there would be some special performances for those who visit this and Anjani's web-sites!

[lizzytysh]

Hi John ~

You're welcome, John... and thank you. We can always hope for such a concert, can't we? It just happens that "Leonard Cohen Presents Anjani" is so much more powerful and poetic; whereas, a more accurate billing is also more narrative in nature, less poetic and dynamic. For me, the original title works both ways... as he did introduce her literally... and he continues to introduce her via this album and his lyrics. It's a double entendre that I'm comfortable with. Especially, when they seem to drop the first three words when they don't literally apply.

I forgot to ask... with the part of your fantasy concert that has to do with Leonard, did you mean Leonard would be reading his poetry, or that the lyrics of Anjani's songs are the 'poetry' of Leonard that you're referring to? It gets so tricky, doesn't it?

I, too, would love to see such a concert as you've described. You wouldn't object to Leonard's joining her in a couple duets, though, would you? Yes... I think, too, that "frenzied" is a good word for what I'm seeing. I don't know that I'd say "cleaning up," however... I'd be more inclined to go with "making a mess"... .

WoW... some special performances for us... if you're going to dream, dream big, eh? That would certainly be a rare gift and treat, wouldn't it?

I hope you one day get the opportunity to see Anjani Live. I'm glad we got our differing perspectives sorted.

As for planes, trains, and automobiles... if I'm to see much of anyone whom I want most to see, it's going to pretty much require flying or taking a bus, as I did to New Orleans. Generally, driving will take too long and be nearly, if not more, expensive. With this, I think the differences in perspectives with distances and travel between those in the U.S. and those in the U.K. go a long way toward understanding how we could feel so differently about it. By contrast to where you live, most everything here is a relatively long distance for me.

Well, best wishes, again, to and Fljots if we had a job... OH! Red Poppy, it was... whose poetry'ed postings I miss by the way. If you're reading this, Red Poppy, I do... but it's so rare that, that Fljots woman will get off those computer game sites long enough to say "Hi" that we have to capitalize on the little bit of time she's around.


Best wishes,
Lizzy

[jarkko]

By the way, John has now joined the Gallery at http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com/blosers6.html
and is therefore a certified B. Loser!

[lizzytysh]

WoW, John ~

I can't believe how spot on I was in imagining how you appear !! So close that I'm astonished myself. I'm amazed. A handsome, friendly man. Are those your own flowers behind you? A great backdrop for a photo.

I'm glad you joined... that's a good sign for your sticking around ~ not that I had even questioned that, really; more like a savings account than anything. A rainy day fund.

Congratulations on your new B.Loser status. Next thing you know you'll be coming to an Event .


~ Lizzy