Seemingly discontent with a critically acclaimed, 14-date Australian tour back in 2009, legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen returned to Melbourne for a quintessential performance of renowned splendour.
With an astonishing catalogue of folk rock ballads, Cohen exemplifies the beauty of music and delivered a set that showcased the enduring talents of the Juno Award recipient.
While many bygone vocalists lack the verbal definition and decisiveness of yesteryear, Cohen maintains a remarkable ability to express a profound sense of aptitude, with ageless hymns reinforced by an astonishing capacity to transcend expectations.
Promising fans “everything we’ve got”, Cohen opened with ‘Dance Me To The End Of Love’ and the timeless classic ‘The Future’, while follow-up ballad “Bird On The Wire” reaffirmed the prodigious stage presence of the industry icon.
Renowned for the consummate and reflective exploration of lyrical themes such as loss, sorrow, and love, Cohen expertly captured the audience despite the challenging confines of Rod Laver Arena.
With able assistance from an accomplished ensemble, Cohen fashioned an intimate and rather emotional atmosphere, taming the venue with captivating enthusiasm and effortless charisma.
As the set progressed, Cohen’s poetic expertise was again reinforced, with tender riddles refined by minimalistic acoustics.
Polished by exemplary percussion and double-bass, ‘Who By Fire’ and ‘Amen’ were well-received moments of brilliance, while ‘Lover Lover Lover’ and ‘Anthem’ rounded the opening set to a standing ovation.
Displaying heartfelt appreciation on numerous occasions to touring members Roscoe Beck (bass), Alexandru Bublitchi (violin), Rafael Gayol (drums), Neil Larson (keys), Javier Mas (strings), and Mitch Watkins (guitar), Cohen was also joined by ethereal vocalists Charley Webb, Hattie Webb, and the ubiquitous Sharon Robinson.
Providing harmonious backing throughout the performance, the trio became increasingly prominent as the instalment resumed, with Robinson taking reign for a somewhat sobering interpretation of ‘Alexandra Leaving’.
Capably capturing the passionate disposition of a Cohen performance, ‘Suzanne’ and ‘The Partisan’ were powerfully reflective hymns that followed the desperate ‘Tower Of Song’, while the sensual rhythm of fan favourite ‘I’m Your Man’ was pleasing for its emotive croon.
Pleasantly dynamic and gloriously cultured, ‘Hallelujah’ was the ultimate expression of passion, while ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ was a weary poetry recital that further established the enigmatic warmth of the Canadian showman.
Confirming the enduring talents of the collective ensemble, timeless tracks ‘So Long, Marianne’ and ‘Going Home’ welcomed the lengthy encore, while beloved track ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’ rubber stamped Cohen’s perpetual ability to ensure connectivity with the gathered masses.
Although the prolonged set slowly began to fatigue Cohen’s impressive entourage, the Webb sisters only enhanced their reputation with an attractive rendition of ‘If It Be Your Will’ before Cohen proficiently rounded the evening with appropriate choral ‘Closing Time’.
After appearing once more for the fittingly named “I Tried To Leave You”, Cohen skipped away having delivered a graceful and tremendous performance, and while it may be cliché to compare the appeal of a 79-year-old mastermind to that of fine wine, Cohen has undeniably improved with age.
With an effortless ability to ensure curiosity throughout the set, the evening provided a comprehensive and timely reminder of glorious music at its best, and further cemented Cohen as one of folk rock’s most treasured musicians.
Leonard Cohen Setlist
Dance Me To The End Of Love
The Future
Bird On The Wire
Everybody Knows
Who By Fire
Darkness
Amen
Come Healing
Lover Lover Lover
Anthem
Tower Of Song
Suzanne
Chelsea Hotel #2
The Partisan
Alexandra Leaving (performed by Sharon Robinson)
I’m Your Man
A Thousand Kisses Deep
Hallelujah
Take This Waltz
Encore:
So Long, Marianne
Going Home
First We Take Manhattan
Famous Blue Raincoat
If It Be Your Will (performed by the Webb Sisters)
Closing Time
I Tried To Leave You
