Jim Fagan
Noosa’s own roving troubadour Jonathan Anstock (or should it be Leonard Cohen?) returns to the Majestic Theatre at Pomona next week nearly two years after he and his band channelled the life and songs of the great Canadian entertainer to a packed and enthusiastic audience.
In that time he has taken the show to nine different venues including Brisbane (twice), Caloundra, Maleny, Nambour and Maryborough.
“It’s been a fantastic tour,” he told Noosa Today. “One couple came to me and said, ‘Jonathan, you nailed it. It felt like Leonard was back on stage again.’”
Musical director and keyboard player for the show is Sunshine Coast’s favourite Janet Brewer, accompanist for Noosa Chorale, and instrumentalist extraordinaire. She leads musicians Duncan Macqueen (drums), Adrian Alexander (technical production co-ordinator and guitar) and husband Warren Brewer on bass.
Jonathan said, “We have also added a new song, Democracy – is coming to the USA, and it has become an audience favourite.”
Cohen’s tongue-in-cheek dig at democracy and the state of the world was written in 1992.
“Another philosophical song is The Future which reveals Cohen’s thoughts about where the world might be heading.”
Via his passion for Cohen’s songs like Suzanne and So Long Marianne, Jonathan has developed a deep understanding of Leonard Cohen’s life — from poet to songwriter; from spiritual journeyman to social commentator; from political/religious commentator to futurist.
Cohen’s song Hallelujah is probably more famous than the singer/songwriter himself having been recorded by 300 artists.
But who was Leonard Cohen?
His life of poetry, song-writing, drugs, sex, spiritual searching, depression, political thought and eventual peace are all exposed in this biographical cabaret which takes the audience on a transcendental journey through the artiste’s life and music.
Jonathan said, “The vision is for the show to grow and develop to perform at the highest possible level in Queensland and beyond. Cohen was 79 when he retired.
“I hope to keep going for as long as I can! Thankfully, I’m surrounded by a talented and enthusiastic team who fully support the vision.”
This year Jonathan intends taking the show to the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Logan, Bundaberg, Gladstone and more. Interstate performances are also in the offing.
“The Spirit of Leonard Cohen,” Majestic Theatre, Pomona, 28 January at 7pm. Tickets $30, themajestictheatre.com.au/whats-on-new-events
