It was about 30 years ago when the British film director Ronald Neame, a big fan, first told me about Leonard Cohen. This Canadian poet turned songwriter was not for everyone, Neame warned. “He’s an acquired taste, but I think you might like him.”
I thought about Neame’s understatement Saturday night at Radio City Music Hall when Cohen literally brought the house down with a lifetime of familiar songs. I had seen Cohen perform twice in the past three decades and, for a while, it appeared he might not tour again. Now, at 74, this show may just be the best concert I’ve ever experienced.
With all the talk about the written word being degraded and devalued in our time, Leonard Cohen turns that notion on its head—making his every word soar. To songs about religion, isolation, sexuality and complex interpersonal relationships, he brings a huge doze of grace, charm and civility. He often sings on his knees, and tips his hat to the audience. Old fashioned manners are so rare these days.
After several encores, Cohen told an adoring New York audience how much he appreciated singing for them. Best yet, you believed he was totally sincere.
I consider Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan the two best singer-songwriters of the past century. Where Dylan’s genius comes fast and loose, Cohen struggles with his work and takes years to carefully craft his songs. Now he can do a three-hour concert where every song is completely familiar.
When he performed “Tower of Song,” Cohen brought cheers when he sang he was "… born with the gift of a golden voice." It also helps when you bring that voice to some of the best songs of a generation.
Leonard Cohen at Radio City Music Hall
Leonard Cohen sings "Tower of Song" while playing keyboard.
Cohen's image projected on a large screen video projector in Radio City Music Hall.
Outside Radio City Hall after the concert.
