Redtree Times

I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool ya
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

—Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah

In the final throes of finishing up the work for my upcoming show at the West End Gallery before delivery in the next day or so. This show and the one preceding it at the Principle Gallery have been tough. Very strenuous and draining. More so than in past years since I decided to take on the task of building the frames for many of the paintings in these shows.

But it’s nearing the finish line and I am feeling a built-up hallelujah rising in me. Made me think of the iconic Leonard Cohen song, especially the verse above that seems to fit the moment for me. Well, maybe not standing before the Lord of Song. Maybe the Lord of Paint? Anyway, it reminded me of this post from back in 2016 that focuses on a unique performance of the song. 

Like I wrote back in 2016, not a bad way to kick off a Tuesday morning.

Just came across a really nice video that was filmed in late June [2016]. It was part of the Luminato Festival in Toronto, which has become one of the largest arts festivals in North America since beginning 10 years ago.

The film shows an event organized by Choir!Choir!Choir! which is a Toronto based open choir.  It requires no commitment and meets twice a week in the back of a local pub. Over the years it has performed publicly in many venues with an expanded choirs made up of folks who just want to get out and sing in a communal kind of way.

The song shown here is Hallelujah from Leonard Cohen, a magnificent song that has been interpreted by many artists–I think that the late Jeff Buckley’s version is extraordinary. This particular version is filmed in a decommissioned power plant with an assembled choir of 1500 people with Rufus Wainwright singing the lead.

Just a lovely version of the song and not a bad way to kick off a Tuesday morning.