March 11th, 2009
Knowin' Cohen
Tickets to Leonard Cohen’s April concert in Calgary disappeared faster than you could say “Hallelujah” earlier this month.
Nothing compares to seeing the legend live but covers of his famous tunes will never stop popping up. Since its release in 1984, “Hallelujah” has been recorded by 100 artists.
But one of the most unique takes on Cohen’s music, even according to Cohen himself, is flamenco singer Enrique Morente’s Omega.
Collaborating with Spanish rock group Lagartija Nick, Morente mixes traditional flamenco with Cohen’s music and the lyrics of famed poet Federico Garcia Lorca (also a Cohen favourite, after who he named his daughter Lorca).
A remastered version was recently released and is now available exclusively in digital format on www.morenteomega.com with a bonus track featuring Sonic Youth.
And yes, in addition to “Take this Waltz” and “First We Take Manhattan,” “Hallelujah” flamenco-style made the cut.
Omega, 8.99€ at www.morenteomega.com
