leonardcohenforum.com

That's the question I was asked yesterday whilst waiting for the airport bus in Florence. I was totally stumped. Is he a crooner? No I said (or is he???). Does he play jazz? No (though, thinking about it, some of the music could definitely be described as jazz). In the end I ducked the question completely and suggested that they check out some sound samples on the web and decide for themselves but the question has stuck with me and I am wondering how other people would have replied to it.

Wendy

If asked, I categorise Leonard as "folk-blues-Euro-pop-jazz-world-gypsy-R&B-soul-with-occasional-tinges-of-country" (in no particular order).

(And I would never call him a "crooner"!)

Thanks Lisa. That should just about cover it!!

Wendy

Glad to be of help!

Mabeanie1.

His music is a melting pot and appeals to 'everyone'. Definitely not a crooner. This is what makes him so interesting because you cannot pin it down. You really never know what to expect from a new song of his... do you


Cheshire gal

My answer has always been:
He sings story songs while painting intricate word pictures.

Wendy,

I've always told people when they've asked, that his music has a 'European flavor' - the most beautiful melodies. And that doesn't really capture it either.

What sort of music does Leonard Cohen play?

I think he would play Bach, Theodorakis and perhaps also some Gypsy tunes

I've been thinking about this... He's eclectic, certainly, but to narrow it down, I was wondering if we can say that, whereas he used to be into folk rock, he is now more into bluesy rock. Would that be fair to say?

Having said that, I think LisaLCFan's answer is the most accurate, but I would struggle to remember it, that's the only problem!

I think I missed one: "gospel," so please add that into my original description!

Leonard himself once said that his music is a mix of Folk - European - & Synagogue Cantor ( isn't that fascinating & beautiful? He said this in the '70's - you will also see him saying it in an interview in Bird On A Wire). So, forgive me if I am too demanding, but I think we also have to add "Synagogue Cantor" to Lisa's otherwise very thorough description!!

Thanks to everyone for their input. One thing is puzzling me and I meant to follow up on it after Mary's response a few days ago and forgot but Rachel has just reminded me.

What is "European music"? It is a term which is totally meaningless to me as a European!

Wendy

Mabeanie1 asks what is European music?

I think I know what it is when I hear it but it is hard to describe. I would have to say it is the use of different instruments. Javier Mas' oud is one. But I love it, it is just not the regular guitars that are used in popular songs. Seems to be influenced by Greek instruments also. This probably does not make sense. But anyway it sounds 'heavenly'.

I guess I consider European music that which has it's origins in the folk music of all European countries ie. waltzes, tangos, polkas, czardas, etc. Songs that have been passed down for generations. Does that make sense?

Lisa's description gets my vote too Few singers have so eclectic a variety of songs.

I need to say this: the musical element in LC's songs is always very good. Problem is, his lyrics are DIVINE. This prompts his detractors to say that he can write but can't sing, which is pure garbage (among the flowers ) in my opinion.

Me? I think you can never separate the two. But yes, when you fall for a song, you are either drawn first to the lyrics or the music. Both instances apply to me:

e.g.
Lyrics first - Stranger Song: initially I just kept skipping the track! But the lyrics - perfection.
Music first - Lover, Lover, Lover: initially, the classic opening lines of the song were all I could remember. I was quite content to listen to it for the melody alone (especially the live versions).

But I digress here. Must be the insomniac in me talking


Lester