What gets me every time about that YouTube video with Leonard Cohen and Sonny Rollins is when Don Was breaks out of his gentle backup singer role – three times! And three times, I burst out laughing.
I think you can see Julie Christensen laughing with the third outburst and I swear I can see a hint of a smile pass over Leonard’s face as well.
I love live performances and collaboration of fine musicians/singers – and I wish that there was more of the likes of this available on television. The show “Night Music” lasted only a couple of years!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Night
Regarding television shows, sometimes PBS will air video of good live performances but you usually have to wait for their fundraisers. American Idol has become so powerful and encompassing in the biz that good artists are now going on that show for exposure and to promote a new album - because that is the forum that is available - to reach a large viewing audience. But I wish the show would go away now –
I think we have enough idols already.
We need more “night music.” And not shows relegated to the wee small hours as that show was. So - like mnkyface – I find myself spending a lot of time on YouTube searching for good live performances!
BUT - Bridger recently posted an excellent article about Roscoe Beck and this tour and the hiring of the musicians, and working with Leonard Cohen.
A couple of excerpts (Roscoe Beck responding to questions):
“Once the auditions were concluded, and the band was in place, in the early stages since many of the musicians were new to the band, except Bob Metzger and Sharon Robinson and myself, Leonard would give guidance to the musicians, in terms of learning the songs. But the musicians are of such a high calibre that he’d let them learn the material and kinda sat back and said, “Let’s see what they come up with.” Leonard has been very positive all along about this tour. Of course, choosing the musicians was difficult and we had many good players and good singers to choose from and that was a little difficult, but I’ve said since – the right people just showed up, the right people came to us.”
-and-
“He really cares about his music and he cares about the audience that’s going to hear it. And he really wants the performance to be something very memorable. He cares about each and every performance, he really does. And he wants the band to be very good. When we were hiring, his only instructions to me where: “Rossie” – that’s what he calls me sometimes – “I only want the best band on the road this year.” No pressure, then.”
http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/leonard_co ... ures/12478
Leonard Cohen has impeccable taste in singers and musicians. Just as there is naturally a time of adjustment for all on stage when there are new band members, I am learning that there is also an adjustment that the fans go through as well - with a lot of discussion and invariably longing for the good old days. But - it's all good usually - moving on. It does not detract in any way from what has been. Kudos to Roscoe Beck regarding putting together these wonderful musicians and singers. Yup - I think he did as Leonard asked - found the best.
I have been to a meager “one” show only – but then – and it wasn’t so meager! I was in total awe of each and every one of the wonderful musicians and singers and how they worked together - with each other and with Leonard Cohen. And the respect they had for Leonard Cohen – and he for them. Of course, Leonard Cohen was simply wonderful. And altogether, the show was the best of the best. A work of art.
BUT – this is Dino’s thread. I think, along with his excellent musicianship and versatility, Dino brings a great energy and enthusiasm to the show, and what appears to be a heartfelt love for what he is doing.
About Dino Soldo I say – he rawks!!
- Dino Soldo.jpg (17.99 KiB) Viewed 4126 times
- Dino-Anthem.jpg (17.48 KiB) Viewed 4127 times
- Dino Soldo.jpg (17.99 KiB) Viewed 4126 times
Maybe I need more junk food 
, but it's a quick glimpse of "our" Dino in motion.