Three members of The Secret Chord joined me in-studio in advance of their local show in Amherst Massachusetts on Feb 7. Gordon Kramer, Ruth Critcher and Jody Spitz performed four Leonard Cohen songs and discussed his music and influence during our lively discussion. In concert, the trio are usually joined by Ray Gregonis (bass), Jess Sproule (keys), and Patrick Kelley (drums). Their local show will be help at the Cherry Hill Cohousing Commons at 120 Pilpit Hill Road in North Amherst. Doors at 6:30 for their 7:00 concert.

Leonard Cohen had a long and interesting musical career from poet/songwriter to the leader of a large choir/ensemble. He wrote three novels, thirteen books of poetry and released fifteen albums of his own original music during a fifty year span. He started later than some at age thirty-two (debuting at Newport!) and had his career derailed by difficult producer Phil Spector, a stint on a Greek island, five years in a zen monastery in California, as well as having his manager embezzle all his earnings and his sell copywritten songs! Despite these setbacks, Cohen perservered and became a beloved artist to many culminating in a Canadian Hall of Fame honor and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction.

The Secret Chord has learned dozens of Cohen’s songs and performed “The Window”, “First We Take Manhattan”,”If It Be Your Will” and “Tower Of Song”. Along the way we heard Cohen recite Joni Mitchell’s “The Jungle Line” with Herbie Hancock on piano.

Our discussion entails several other musical projects from our members beyond Cohen’s music as well as a discussion of Leonard’s spiritual messages and musical impact. Give the segment a listen and head to Amherst on February 7 to hear the full band treatment of this amazing catalog of songs. More info on the band can be found at The Secret Chord.band