This is a must listen for those of us who loved the words and music of the legendary writer Leonard Cohen. Delving deep into the emotional and spiritual core of these curated songs, ‘The Art of Time Ensemble’ pay tribute to a master of song writing and “pierce the heart”, as Cohen intended, with these stellar live performances.
Art of Time Recordings released ‘Songs of Leonard Cohen Live’ on Sept 29th,2022.
The album is produced by Andrew Burashko, the founder and creative force behind Art of Time Ensemble, Douglas McLean chats with him about the project. As sung by: Steven Page, Sarah Harmer, Tom Wilson, Sarah Slean and Gregory Hoskins.
You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE
Art of Time Ensemble is a Toronto based musical collective of leading Canadian musicians from the worlds of jazz and classical music. Formed in 1997 by Andrew Burashko, Art of Time has become an integral part of Toronto’s cultural scene. They have become a destination for today’s most accomplished artists working in music, dance, theatre, film, and literature.
"The 13 tracks on this album were recorded live in concert as part of a Leonard Cohen tribute in 2018. Over three nights, this tribute also featured 15 Canadian authors and poets many of whom knew Leonard Cohen personally. These shows were deeply emotional, and it shows in every single performance. “In choosing the songs for this tribute, I wanted to cover the entire span of Cohen’s career, showcasing both, well- known classics and lesser-known tracks such as “Come Healing” and Treaty” from very late in his career. I also, very deliberately chose a diverse group of composers and arrangers with disparate sensibilities to create a very distinct aesthetic universe for each song. The singers on this album are all veterans and icons of the Canadian pop music scene - all forces of nature in their own right. Their passion for these songs shines through in every performance.” - Andrew Burashko
The singers each have their own international careers and are all veterans of the Canadian pop scene: Steven Page, Sarah Harmer, Tom Wilson, Sarah Slean and Gregory Hoskins.
Steven Page is the founder and former lead singer of Barenaked Ladies. He went on to pursue a solo and enjoys success internationally. Recently, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Sarah Harmer is a platinum selling Canadian singer, songwriter. Time Magazine called her debut album “the best debut album of the year”.
Tom Wilson is a member of the Nashville based roots band called Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and former lead singer of the band Junkhouse. As a solo artist, he continues to tour regularly throughout North America.
Sarah Slean is an acclaimed Canadian singer, song writer, actor and film composer. She has been nominated for multiple Juno and Gemini awards and has received a Screen Actor’s Guild of Canada award for her co - scoring the TV series Detention Adventure.
Gregory Hoskins fronted the popular Canadian folk rock band The Stick People in the 80s and 90s. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful performing and recording career spanning 30 years. He collaborates regularly with Art of Time Ensemble.
The arrangers include nine composers from the pop, jazz and classical worlds including the English composer Gavin Bryars, and all the arrangements explore the intersection of popular song and chamber music, featuring some of the best instrumentalists in Canada.
FEATURED SONGS
Black Flowers - Sarah Slean
Anthem - Sarah Slean
Treaty - Gregory Hoskins
A Singer Must Die - Steven Page
Who By Fire - Tom Wilson
Dance Me to the End of Love - Sarah Harmer
You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE
Website: artoftimeensemble.com
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