Michael Dominici, the executive producer of an exciting new project that pays tribute to the legendary Leonard Cohen, takes over TVD New Orleans today. His musings are to encourage you to donate to this very worthwhile cause.
“I remember the first time I heard Leonard Cohen’s music. I was a DJ at KLSU in Baton Rouge and our music director, Ward Gros, who was in tune to my musical taste and sensibility, went deep into the vinyl pit and presented me with a faded, well-worn copy of Leonard Cohen’s first recording Songs. He handed it to me and just said, “Take this home and listen to it.”
Those were the words that came out of his mouth but his eyes and expression told me much more. He instinctively knew that this gesture would have a profound effect on me on many levels.
Previously, my only encounter with Leonard Cohen’s was through Nick Cave’s intensely over the top rendition of “Avalanche.” I had never heard anything like that so, when I came across the original…so eloquent, subtle, unforced and haunting that it chilled me to my bones, I knew I had to dedicate some time discovering his music.
Indeed, the candor and darkness of Leonard Cohen’s music had a polarizing effect on my lovers and friends. Some couldn’t take his seemingly complete absence of joy, leading another to declare, “I never go there.” As soon as those words escaped her lips something told me that I’d never speak to her again. I never did. It’s like that sometimes. And when it does; get like that…some, some turn to the blues.
But, the blues is only one color. When I needed gray and silver; even black, and gold, Leonard Cohen was my heart’s companion. And, when I needed to see the light, it wasn’t Hank; it was Leonard that showed me where to look amongst “The garbage and the flowers…”
Helen Gillet
For years afterwards I would often hear praise for Leonard Cohen’s music but would rarely hear him played on the radio or anywhere else for that matter. Shortly after the late ’80s release of I’m Your Man, Cohen appeared on David Sanborn’s late night music show Night Music with special guest Sonny Rollins. They did a stunning performance of Cohen’s “Who By Fire?”
Tribute recordings were made in his honor, but Cohen remained under the radar until the film I’m Your Man was made featuring various artists paying tribute to his great body of work. Suddenly, everyone started covering “Hallelujah,” from the underrated “Various Positions” (which his lifelong label, Columbia, chose not to release in the U.S.) That, plus his recent induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, his well-received three-year world tour, and the release of Old Ideas have put Leonard Cohen as close as he’s been to the limelight in years.
James Singleton
About two years ago, a musician traveling cross-country named Mark Growden came to do a live, on air interview with me on WWOZ, where I host a regular show on Tuesdays. He performed several songs that day including his haunting original, “Inside Every Bird” and Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man.” I was impressed, and so was he with New Orleans. He moved here just about a year ago and acclimated to our unique music scene immediately.
After seeing one of his epic stagings of acoustic performances at the Marigny Opera House (a beautifully distressed, repurposed church) the idea arose that perhaps he and his colleagues would likely do a fine interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s music for a special concert. I was stunned by his enthusiasm when he responded that he envisioned a much larger scale project that would involve several performances and a recording session. We went to work on the idea and came up with a budget. It came up to $20,000. We both looked at each other and said, “Kickstarter!”
Troi Bechet
We carefully chose musicians that we thought would be ideal for the project. Helen Gillet, Alex McMurray, James Singleton, and Troi Bechet were the first musicians that I thought of and Mark suggested pianist Larry Sieberth, declaring “He may be one of the most complete musicians I’ve ever worked with!” Having heard Larry perform many times, I also knew that he was a favorite amongst jazz divas…a key recommendation in my book.
Then, without hesitation he said, “We also have to include Aurora Nealand into this project. She’s amazing!” I concur, having seen her play reed instruments with various groups and being enamored with her remarkably beautiful voice. I knew that with Mark as the 7th man and producer, that this ensemble had lot of promise. Each musician involved plays with passion underscored by eloquence and restraint. We then discussed the recording project and also agreed that the only person we would consider working with is Mark Bingham at Piety Studio.
Alex McMurray
Now, all we had to do was make a few phone calls and send out a few emails. Thankfully, I was able to do one better and speak to most of the musicians face to face and one by one, they all agreed. All we needed now was a name!
We settled on Bards of Bywater and began to film a Kickstarter video with all the musicians at The Marigny Opera House. No sooner had the video been shot were we told the news that the Marigny Opera House had postponed its musical programs and had to complete its renovations. That lead us to choose Snug Harbor for the upcoming Thursday, April 5th performances followed by two 7pm sets at Cafe Istanbul in The Healing Center, Friday, April 6th and Saturday, April 7th.
This is an ambitious project requiring a lot of preparation time, rehearsals, dedication, and expenses. We are counting on our Kickstarter support to see this project, this labor of love, come to fruition.”
For more information and to support the Bards of the Bywater, please visit their Kickstarter.
