Leonard Cohen - Chicago Theater, Chicago 5/6/09

I still recall wanting to see Cohen back in 1989 on his I’m Your Man tour. It was a 21 and over show, and this writer being below that age put the stop to that. The limitations facing the 2009 tour was the tickets. It was a hot ticket to get. The two-day stay at the Chicago Theater sold out within minutes. This was actually the second show.

Cohen started the evening with Dance Me to the End of Love, a great opener, setting a very intimate mood for the rest of the evening. The Future followed. What’s unbelievable about this track is the relevance of its lyrics despite being 17 years old. With each song the intensity and temperature of the show rose. Cohen himself in great vocal shape conducted the spectacle with grace. Much has to be said about the great band accompanying Cohen. It was great cast of performers who pumped new life into already great songs. Cohen’s long-time collaborator and The Webb Sisters joined on back up vocals, and even selected acrobatics.

The show was the mix of all songs from Cohen’s career. The set list was just great, much better than the officially released DVD. The addition of Chelsea Hotel #2, The Partisan, and absolutely stunning version of Famous Blue Raincoat was just the right choice. Everybody Knows still lyrically relevant sounding like an prophecy of the apocalypse to come. Tower of Song charmed with its sincerity, and a great sense of humor. The Gypsy’s Wife was very moving, and haunting at the same time. Hallelujah which as of late became Cohen’s signature song was delivered with such feel and conviction. And as the man said, he didn’t come to Chicago to fool you, and he certainly didn’t do that. The Webb Sisters’ delivery of If It Be Your Will was absolutely memorable and transcending. The time stood still as they unfolded their angelic voices with help of a harp and an acoustic guitar. The Webb Sisters are Cohen’s angels.

The show had plenty of very funny moments. The monologues between the songs were heartfelt, yet sincere in their meaning. Cohen is an artist very comfortable where he is, not attempting to change a thing. He had no problem poking fun of himself, and the audience responded great. The connection between the performer and the audience was very strong. It is rarely that you can observe something so spiritual in front of your very eyes. Cohen’s show of respect towards the art, and the musicians he played with was very moving. Whenever any of his musicians would play a solo, Cohen would stand still in awe with his hat off and head bowed down to that performer. At the end of the show, Cohen thanked the audience for the evening, and addressed the crowd. He said to be careful outside due to deceptive weather. He commanded the crowd to fall on the side of luck in life. He expressed the importance of being surrounded by friends and family, or being equally blessed if solitude is your way of life. He often used word friends when addressing the crowd which made the evening very special and intimate. All of which qualify this show as a musical event of the year.

Mark Kadzielawa