Leonard & Anjani Tonight at the Richard Goodall Gallery

[lizzytysh]

Well, I'm shocked. After signing in and supposedly its being gone forever, here it is. Several back-button clicks and then the Retry mode, and some other screen, it was suddenly there. So, here it is, after all. If anyone else loses their stuff, I guess just don't give up trying to find it. It might be there.

Hi Red Poppy ~

I knew that in your mind you weren't one of the collaborative possibilities. You posed the question, though, as to "how many other artists... ," so since it seemed to be enough on your mind to bring it up, I wondered what was your point and, if there were one, who ought he to have collaborated with... and would that person have made his collaboration with them be something other than a 'waste' of his time.

Since I debated for awhile on whether to make that comment, Red Poppy, I apologize to you for it. Since it kept crossing my mind as I tried to figure out your tenaciousness, though, I finally just put it out there with an emoticon indicating my bafflement. I don't understand why it's so important to you, enough to continue pursuing this as you do. Sooner or later, I'm going to start looking other directions for explanations, which is what I did. Sometimes offenses and resentments come out in other ways. I watched how you reacted to people criticizing your production and to people who lauded it; so, on a professional basis, there's the possibility of professional resentments, based on personal feelings, coming out in other ways. I didn't know how important the results may have been to you regarding your extending the invitation. You definitely seem preoccupied by how Leonard is using his time. I know that how your production was perceived was definitely important to you.

As you know, it's not uncommon in the arts & entertainment industry, so why it would be so dreadful of me to suggest it as a possibility, given all the things you're saying about Anjani's abilities and Leonard's 'waste' [paraphrase] of his precious time, leaves me wondering. As long as truth and honesty are valued in calling a spade a spade... asking if something might be a spade, doesn't seem so out of line to me. You're questioning Leonard's power of discernment, suggesting that he can't see past the fact that Anjani is his paramour, when in 'fact' all that she brings to the table is "pitch perfect;" and that anyone who thinks otherwise [including Leonard] is deluded... either by romance, or by Leonard's being in the mix. However, since it was a personal comment [as though the things you've said about Anjani and Leonard aren't], I apologize for having said it. Since there have been a number of unwarranted assumptions here regarding this whole thing, I'm not surprized that I would make one, too. However, it wasn't really an assumption, but a query of sorts, a possibility worth considering in my mind.

The things you've been saying so far haven't explained it, your preoccupation with the whole issue... regarding

"some of us are simply rueing the e[n]ergy that's being put into her career (how many other artists have had an album written/produced for them by Leonard?) that might be more essentially used in his own."

I haven't heard complaints about Leonard's time spent with his part in the production of "I'm Your Man." Now, Leonard has spent more time joining in on a tribute to Joni. And he's spent time with Glass. Is anyone complaining? And, if it weren't for "Blue Alert," people would have had one opportunity so far for these highly-valued meetings and photo sessions ~ that would have been the art exhibit in London. So, there is a silver lining for the naysayers on Anjani who have enjoyed seeing Leonard perform and meeting him. I guess those who met him as a result of "Blue Alert" could thank her for having created the opportunity.

Not so- my point is that Cohen fans (the majority I believe until otherwise proven) would much prefer Cohen singing Cohen to ANYONE else singing Cohen. To borrow an advertising slogan: The original and the best.

If that's your point, where are all the complaints on all those who have covered... and continue to cover... Leonard's songs? Do the majority... the "most of us" out there agree with your opinion on each artist's cover who has covered them, their vocal and lyrical abilities, and such?

The bottom line is that Leonard trusted Anjani with his lyrics. I'm extremely glad for that and I look forward to more of her contributions. I can guarantee you that there are many, and will continue to be many more out there, for whom you do not speak.

There seems to be something deeper going on here; I just haven't figured out for sure what it is; though, I've had some other ideas I won't bother pursuing.

************************
Damellon
No need to read in to or speculate on what I meant regarding the mention of the buttoned shirt, since it was included as one of the examples of the examination of Leonard's mode of dress, in contrast to my not noticing.

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

~ Lizzy

[Red Poppy]

Ah but LIzzy so was I and then you never wrote so the jesters have taken over the asylum (I dare not call them lunatics, I know some of 'em).

[Red Poppy]

Lizzy
My last reply was to a shorter post you sent.
Without taking up too much time, a brief response.

You say: " If that's your point, where are all the complaints on all those who have covered... and continue to cover... Leonard's songs? Do the majority... the "most of us" out there agree with your opinion on each artist's cover who has covered them, their vocal and lyrical abilities, and such? "

I have no problem with Anjani or anyone else covering Leonard'songs - why would I? Covers are a completely different thing, as you well know. It's a totally different ball game.

What Leonard does with his time is his own business, I'm not his keeper. The brief point I was trying (unsuccessfully it seems) to make was that I (and I still maintain the majority of his fans would agree) would much prefer even flawed Cohen versions of Cohen material to other people's versions. Blue Alert sung by Leonard would e a better CD for me than Blue Alert sung by anyone else.

May I ask Lizzy - Which would you prefer -Leonard singing Leonard or Anjani/Anyone singing Leonard?

You then write: "I can guarantee you that there are many, and will continue to be many more out there, for whom you do not speak."

I totally accept that but you, logically, must accept the opposite to be true, too. I accept your bona fides as the standard-bearer for Anjani here, it appears to be a crusade and because some of us don't see the light that you see doesn't mean we are blind..

Finally, you say:
"There seems to be something deeper going on here; I just haven't figured out for sure what it is; though, I've had some other ideas I won't bother pursuing."
Now you have me at a total loss because I'm not aware of what else might be going on.
I reiterate, my point was a simple one: I would prefer to see and hear Leonard working on his own material himself. Just as I would Paul Simon or Bruce Springsteen or whoever (with the exception of Joe Dolan).

To try to construe some terrible professional jealousy out of that is disingenuous in the extreme.

Red Poppy

[Byron]

lizzie wrote,
"where are all the complaints on all those who have covered... and continue to cover... Leonard's songs?"
and my immediate thought was 'Hallelujah' ?? being throttled to death by Bono.
I'm not going to troll through my massive collection of 'covers' in order to prove this point, but suffice it to say that, there are some truly horrendous 'covers' out there which defy the term, 'musical.'

[Byron]

Alber has asked me to point out that, he did not attend the Goodall Gallery, but if he had, and if he had stood next to Leonard, it would have been obvious to all of those people WHO WERE THERE, that Leonard would be as a GIANT next to Alber. In other other words it is all 'relative.' Alber does not like dancing on the head of a pin and therefore is refusing to grace this thread with his 'adequate' presence.

[blonde madonna]

That cover is hard to beat Byron. I also think Tori Amos tortured FBR on that album.
'I'm your fan' was so much better than 'Tower of song'.

oops, out of sequence, making no sense, Alber is quicker off the mark than me.

I will say it again, go back to work Leonard, get that new album finished.

[Diane]

I think the worst 'covers' are probably those we sing in the bars at the events. But they are a lot of fun! There are some interesting covers, but I always return to Leonard singing his own words. There is only one Leonard Cohen. There is only one Joe Dolan, too. Surely.

With regard to the topic of this thread, last night I was looking through my catalogue from the exhibition. My favourite of Leonard's pictures is Watching You Think. I notice that in the top lefthand corner he has partially included The Seal of the Blessing to End Disunity (which is included in its entirety in Asleep at Last, but nowhere else as far as I can see). I sense a poem in this drawing.

In his recent bbc interview, Leonard said that art stops the world from spinning, or makes it stand still for a moment, or words to that effect. In the Harry Rasky film he said that art dissolves the differences between people. Both memorable definitions.

Diane

[Red Poppy]

Diane - the new Diana - peacemaker, soulsearcher, art guru.
There's been a gap in the market since August '97.
The vallies are alive with the sound of music!
The Queen Mum (God rest her merry soul) would be delighted.
So would Maggie Thatcher -
"where there is peace let me bring dissension", sorry the other way round.


You're right the karaoke-less karaoke versions ARE the worst!!!!

[Diane]

Well I did try to write something sensible in this thread, and along comes an Irishman to take the p. You know, I always thought an Irish artist would be dark, mysterious, soulful and deep. Another of my romantic delusions shattered. I'm devastated.

[Byron]

You're 'devasted' ? I often wonder what it must be like to be 'vasted.' Full of scrumptiousness? Syrup? Oh hell , the little fellar is stickin' his grubby little nose in again.

Time for a lie down...

[Diane]

Byron, what does the word you accused me of using mean? Devasted? Does that mean deflated and imploded?

You have reminded me of a joke. Apologies if I have told it before on here:

What did the inflatable teacher, in the inflatable school, say to the inflatable pupil?

Not only have you let the school down, you've let me down, and you've let yourself down.

What does Albert think of Leonard's drawings?

[Red Poppy]

My oh my but things have gone quiet on the Western front!

[lizzytysh]

The brief point I was trying (unsuccessfully it seems) to make was that I (and I still maintain the majority of his fans would agree) would much prefer even flawed Cohen versions of Cohen material to other people's versions. Blue Alert sung by Leonard would be a better CD for me than Blue Alert sung by anyone else.

May I ask Lizzy - Which would you prefer -Leonard singing Leonard or Anjani/Anyone singing Leonard?

You then write: "I can guarantee you that there are many, and will continue to be many more out there, for whom you do not speak."

I totally accept that but you, logically, must accept the opposite to be true, too. I accept your bona fides as the standard-bearer for Anjani here, it appears to be a crusade and because some of us don't see the light that you see doesn't mean we are blind..
. . .

I reiterate, my point was a simple one: I would prefer to see and hear Leonard working on his own material himself. Just as I would Paul Simon or Bruce Springsteen or whoever (with the exception of Joe Dolan).

The Words of Leonard Cohen

They have come to me in various ways
through the years and in my pain
My joyful days found them with me,
yes, they were there once again.

From out of the grooves
and through the needle
Leonard and Suzanne, through it all,
brought me comfort in the night.

The paper insert I held in my hands
Gave them to my eyes,
words unlike any
I'd ever heard, ever read.

Later, LOOK magazine
and the songbooks I found
allowed me to see them
in print, again and again.
Scanning, reading, looking for his words.

Searching always, seeking the quotes
of what he had actually said,
authentically him
his mind, his soul, my friend.

My gratitude has lasted
untouched by time

I seek and listen still awed,
deep appreciation for
his words and voice on the radio
in film, on video, and dvd,
on cassette and cd

I read his words in novels,
in his poetry and his prayers;
and alongside hand drawings,
paintings, and computer art, too

Books and articles on him,
I find them inevitably there;
his words that, so much,
others value, as well

His birthdays come,
his birthdays go...
the Leonard Cohen Files
records them all...
our words to him,
his words
of gratitude to us

The form it doesn't matter,
it's only matter and form
It's the essence of his
chosen words I treasure,
now living with me
in spaces of thought
and conversation

They come, his words,
as he's said of women,
naked in their different ways
and I love them
They say, "Look at me, ...
Look at me one last time,"
and I am shivering

Memories of years ago, Chicago...
my signed piece of paper
"Love to Elizabeth
Leonard Cohen"
preserved and still with me now...
'twas three decades ago

Inscribed in "Dance Me To The End Of Love"
his lyrics with Matisse's art
now three decades later
his words in print
... and black ink dried

His voice, his face
my face, my ears
Sitting in silence,
I hear him say,
"I'm so glad
we were finally able
to run into each other,
like this."

His words and mine blend
in those moments... New York
"So am I... " I reply.
Three words of simplicity,
equal measure, and finality,
their depth and meaning
transcend the 30 years;
far more than a decade allotted each.

Scrawled, printed, and written
more of his words
lie unseen to the outside world
Til a woman came and stayed
by his side until they found their way
to each other's hearts
where trust begins

The New York 2004 Event came, too,
and in the booklet, her words were found...

Things I can say
About L. Cohen:

1. Every good thing you've heard about leonard is quite possibly true - that's how great he is. The rest is ancient history, speculation, delusion or a secret.

2. No one has a total read on the man, except for the rare occasions when I do.

3. He has recently opted for a black and white tweed newsboy cap over the grey fedora.

Although I'll never be able to fully express how grateful I am for Leonard's presence in my life, at least our work together speaks for itself.

May all of you enjoy a rich and rewarding celebration for an artist who deserves this honor and so many more.


With great love,
-Anjani Thomas

His trust was rooted, their work had already begun.

One day, an unattended notebook
and a curious love
boxes of words being packed
for posterity in the collection

An unsung lyric found, permission sought
and granted; the lyric given birth,
newfound life. Leonard loved his newborn,
conceived by him and his love.

Let's have more... wander freely
amongst the DNA of
my words... let's birth them
together. My words, your song.

You're a beautiful mother.
I trust you with this process
we call love... through words,
melody, and voice... our song.

My gift to you, my love.

Dormancy no longer their fate,
they grew to see the light... the day,
the joy in the world, the beauty of the night.

The controlled air of preservation
to keep them free from must,
appointments required, please call;
unneeded now... these words breathe on their own.

Please, darling, please run to the store,
I need a few verses, just a few more...
You know it takes me so long when I go,
Yes, of course, darling, but for this you
can do it, you can do it, I know...

The store inside he found open,
she had unlocked the door
He granted her wishes,
his words came to the fore

Many songs will never be written or sung
His hand, his voice, will eventually succumb
Yet, his words will live on and so will his love,
As he gave the world "Blue Alert"... first to her,
then through her, his beloved gentle dove

His gift to everyone.

A gift with love is given... embraced,
rejected, or just set aside.
It's the nature of a gift.

Some things are non-issues
and with me this is such,
Leonard's words are his own;
his choice to share,
to give, or prepare...

'Tis not the Jewish deli...
pick and choose, build your own
your voice, no not hers
two spoken pieces, no more
Acoustic on rye please,
not too much synth, as before
Please leave, go home early,
pay your bill at the door.
You've tasks to complete
Our happiness, not yours.

Gratitude is all I feel, I embrace
the gift that was given... wrapped as he pleases;
skills of two lovers, merged exquisitely
into one... it now stands and beckons on its own

Come join us here, Leonard welcomes
Yes, please come inside
please sit down, have some water...
please enjoy our humble gift, yes
my words you I offer... my words you I offer...
my self you I offer



Thank you, Leonard, thank you for your words,
your sharing sustaining my years...
thank you for your love, your trust of Anjani
for offering the hidden, the private ones,
that through her became song

With love for you both,
thank you for your beautiful gift.
I embrace it with love...
and I love it.

Thank you.


Love,
Elizabeth/Lizzy

[Red Poppy]

I still much prefer even flawed Cohen versions of Cohen material to other people's versions!

[lizzytysh]

Hi Red Poppy ~

I'm not on a crusade and I wasn't hoping to convert you. I meant it when I early on said that it's fine with me if we agree to disagree; and it's still fine with me if you remain with your preferences. As you know, "Blue Alert" isn't an album of Anjani covering Leonard's songs; from its point of germination, it is its own creation. My only wish is that you not diminish the entity that is... just because it isn't what you would want the non-entity to be.

My wish going forward is that you enjoy Anjani's concert next Friday in Dublin. She's breathtaking.


~ Lizzy