Happy At Last: A Tribute To Leonard Cohen, Part I

by Bob Boilen

Back in February, Leonard Cohen played his first U.S. concert in 15 years. Just a few weeks later, inspired by Cohen's resurgence, a group of artists at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, paid tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter by performing some of his work.

The event functioned as an open mic of sorts, and took place at a store in Austin called Waterloo Records. NPR Music and Sony Music went to Waterloo and captured the event. I've chosen five of the artists who played there, and this week, while All Songs Considered producer Robin Hilton and I are on vacation, we'll post a new video performance each day.

We start with "Here It Is," from the album Ten New Songs, performed by the French folk duo Herman Dune. Like all of Cohen's work, the poetry is potent.

10:39 AM ET | 08-24-2009 | permalink

comments |