Feedback
I felt the need to write to say how much Sonya and I enjoyed your music and your performance at the Astor Theatre Deal last Friday. We are both ardent Cohen fans, having seen the great man perform no fewer than 9 times, the last three occasions during his most recent tour at the O2, but totally bought into your very beautiful & personal interpretation of his work and in doing so making it your own, absolutely wonderful. The intimacy of the Astor lent itself well, I think, to creating an evening that felt like 'old friends' enjoying an evening of each others company, a truly intimate experience. Not only could I enjoy your singing, your anecdotes and indeed dry, wry humour, but as we were sitting right in front of you I became mesmerised by your fluent guitar playing, just amazing. I spend a great deal of time in my car travelling around the country and since Friday I think I have listened to the album that we bought that night no fewer than 5 times and will do again tomorrow and my long journey from Bath back to London. The CD sits in my cars multistack, in great company, as three of the other CD's currently in the machine are from the great man himself. We both look forward to joining you again, when the opportunity presents itself. Steve & Sonya
Just to say how much i enjoyed your concert this week at the Maltings, Farnham! intimate setting, cafe theatre style, great lighting and superb music. i will remember your Bird on the Wire with louise for a long time to come. Good luck to you both in the future. Anne Macpherson
Many thanks to you both for a wonderful evening at The Blue Walnut Cafe,Torquay.Great venue and atmosphere .Thoroughly enjoyed your sensitive performance of the songs of the best singer / songwriters of all times.Your voices are beautiful. All the best for the tour. Hope to catch you in Cardiff. Sheila and Alan Jones
I saw Mr James at the Bury Met Saturday last, 18th June. Remarkably similar to Scott’s review. As Scott says his introduction to the songs were interesting though sometimes an opinion was voiced as fact. It was obvious, though, that Keith has a profound love of Leonard’s songs. Keith is an extremely accomplished guitarist, though with a few songs I felt his arrangements added layers of complexity rather than the ‘stripped-back’ versions promised. His voice is a little bland, could do with more “edge”. Having said that, the songs were all well done and, in some cases, verging on the splendid. Particularly, I enjoyed the joint rendition (with Louise) of Chelsea Hotel. We too, had the instruments of percussion. I managed to avoid them all, even though I was sat in the front row (old habits die hard!). Keith provides a tribute (in the broadest sense) to Leonard’s songs; but is by no means a “tribute band” in the manner of The Clone Roses or Dread Zeppelin. Keith did give an interesting take on many of the songs and, overall, it proved to be an enjoyable evening. Certainly worth seeing. Ciarán
Went to see Keith James at Buxton last night. This was my second time. Actually, because I knew what to expect in terms of his interpretations of the songs, it was even more enjoyable. I could sit back and immerse myself into the songs without constantly having the originals echoing in my head. Observing his guitar work from the third row was also a delight. The interesting thing to share here is that the concerts continue next year - Keith mentioned another 40 dates for next spring. There are some already appearing on his site. BTW no instruments of percussion for the audience for So Long Marianne. They've stopped doing that but still invite the audience to sing along with the chorus ... and we did Well worth seeing. Pete
I was at the Brixton concert tonight but forgot to leave my email. That was the most beautiful concert I have ever been to! Beautiful voices and guitar playing, thank you.
Hi Keith, tremendous concert again in Hay on Friday night. I’m new to Leonard Cohen but of those songs I have heard, I prefer your interpretation. Just one question, who makes the big dreadnought guitar you used with a beautiful sound?
Many thanks, Julian Reeves
Hi Keith,
Just wanted to say a 'BIG' Thank you for the wonderful evenings entertainment I had at Stamford last night. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was so impressed with the Music,Poems,Funny Bits,everything in fact!
You are both so talented.Certainly an evening I will treasure.
Hope to catch you again when your back round this way.
Good Luck with the rest of the tour,take care
Best wishes, Sue x
p.s Loved your Shirt !!!!!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed concert at Stamford tonight. MANY thanks to you and Louise. Massively impressed with your musical skills. Very moved by the last number by the way and totally impressed with your own song.
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed last night at Norden Farm. Like many of the geriatrics there, I've been a follower of the Sainted Cohen since the late 60s. Re other artist’s interpretation of Cohen, my all time favourite is a Jenifer Warnes LP circa 1979. Also I agree with you on Famous Blue Raincoat, definitely the best. Cheers
I went to see Keith James last Tuesday 17th May in Liverpool. The gig was in a small modern cinema and arts centre and was actually in a cinema with Keith stood in front of the stage and about 100 comfy seats. The gig was not sold out but Keith said a lot of his shows have been. I was on the front row not that it really mattered where one sat. For the most part Keith sang on his own but on half a dozen songs his "friend" Louise joined him on vocals and actually this enhanced the sound as it sweetened Keith's voice which otherwise was not quite "velvety" to be confused with Leonards. Louise sang a great solo but I have forgotten what song. Keith sang several of his own songs most of which were based on or contained the words of the Spanish Poet Federico Garcia Lorca who is a great inspiration of Leonard Cohen and whom Leonard's daughter is named after. I enjoyed Keith's own songs. Keith also sang great Neil young and Joni Mitchel covers. Regarding Keith singing Leonard's songs is concerned I would say it was in no way a copycat tribute act or impersonation of Leonard but a respectful interpretation of the master. Keith's versions of Leonard's songs were excellent but they were versions and I would suggest about 75% a copy. Keith introduced Suzanne as being his own interpretation but even that was quite recognisable as to the original. Would I recommend the show? Yes. Firstly it was a very nice evening’s entertainment and secondly it was very relevant to being a Leonard Cohen fan. Keith introduced every song with some of his thoughts and this enhanced the show in a way that could often be annoying and a waste of time.
A good friend and escort to LC concerts has just stumbled across an ad for Keith James and we were in two minds whether to go but having read all your comments, we must give it a go.
A great evening at The Kitchen Garden Cafe last night. Laura and I represented the forum but met other Cohen fans (Hi Rob!) and others who weren't fans but inquisitive. Keith acknowledged that there were a few 'die-hards' amongst the audience and then asked, innocently, for the name for a collection of Cohen fans. Some wit shouted 'a gloom of Cohen fans' as for the performance- it was most enjoyable. I didn't know quite what to expect and was apprehensive about what one man (and Louise accompanying for some songs) would do with a whole evening of Cohen compositions ( with 3 exceptions) but I can definitely say that it worked. His dexterity on his varying guitars was a pleasure to watch and to listen to. His arrangements retained the essence of each song whilst providing sufficient diversity to offer a refreshing listening experience. His voice soothed, soared and sometimes deepened from song to song. ..and there was audience participation with 'So Long Marianne' - even with audience members on varying forms of percussion. That's the only song we were allowed to accompany although I did hear Laura quietly singing along with 'Famous Blue Raincoat'
Keith also slipped in one of his own songs. I bought one of his other CDs to explore more. What I like about it that he hasn't added more musicians to the studio recording (except for double bass). I got caught out with a Harvey Andrews album when I went one of his concerts and really enjoyed one man and guitar so bought his latest CD and it had a wealth of musicians on which actually spoilt the songs - but that's another story!
The Kitchen Garden Cafe is a great venue - very intimate and atmospheric. It is a cafe and a gardening shop in the day time but some evenings it transforms into this wonderful music venue. Keith has appeared before and he will be returning.
I wonder if you'll notice, the exquisite way he says, "yes" in FBR.
I agree, a fine evening of (mostly) Leonard's songs. There was an audible intake of breath when Keith James suggested that "not everything Cohen has recorded is absolutely brilliant".
As I was leaving I had a chat with a group of twenty year olds who were very knowledgeable about all things Cohen, the future may not be entirely murder.
An enjoyable night it was in Cardiff, meeting with Rob and Ann to see Keith James. We thought the highlights were his excellent covers of Famous Blue Raincoat (which he called the best song ever written), and Chelsea Hotel. He had a singer accompanying him, Louise, and she did a fine solo version of Bird on the Wire. As well as a number of LC songs, we heard a couple of poems from Let us Compare Mythologies put to music, plus some Lorca, and I give him a gold star for Woodstock from his recent Great Canadian Songbook tour. He mentioned that there had been a lot of interest in his current tour because of Leonard's popularity, and that there are even some obsessed people around, who would die rather than miss anything LC had ever done. Whoever does he mean? An evening well worth catching if you can!
Dear Keith and Louise
A brief note just to say that Cathy and I had a terrific evening at your concert last night. We both enjoyed it enormously.
Sorry I didn’t leap up to be your Percussion Monitor but if I pick up anything that is connected with the making of music it explodes on contact in order to protect the general public from the noises that I am likely to make. The only safe involvement I can have with music is to listen.
Warmest Regards, Jim
Hi Keith,
John Cairney commented on a post you were tagged in.
"absolutely fantastic night."
HI Keith,
Enjoyed your set and our chat last night in the square and compass. Here are some links to Djavan. Hope you like!
Dear Keith and Louise, Thank you both for the most wonderful Concert that you performed last night. I was not expecting to enjoy it so much but all doubts vanished when I met you both.
I have posted an item on the Leonard Cohen Forum which you might like to read.
I hope to see you in Solihull in June.
Have a Great Tour. My very best wishes to both of you. Rob Sheen
Lovely show tonight at The Blues Bar! Thanks for coming to Harrogate.
Dennis Gerald Blair
