This previously unavailable recording offers not only an outstanding version of Passing Through but also a previously undocumented instance of Leonard Cohen performing on the hand whistle. (Note that the seminal article on the topic, Leonard Cohen Hand Whistling Compendium, does not include Passing Through as one of the songs on which Leonard employed this instrument. To assure accuracy, I consulted with the preeminent authority in the field, Maarten Massa, who concurred with my assessment.) The hand whistle segment begins about 2:45.
Leonard Cohen – Passing Through
Bonn: Nov 4, 1980
The supporting musicians for the 1980 Tour follow:
- Sharon Robinson – vocals
- Roscoe Beck – bass guitar
- John Bilezikjian – oud, mandolin
- Bill Ginn – keyboards
- Raffi Hakopian – violin
- Steve Meador – drums
- Paul Ostermayer – wind
- Mitch Watkins – electric guitar
Credit Due Department: Photo of Leonard Cohen by Pete Purnell.
I am republishing selected posts from my former Leonard Cohen site, Cohencentric, here on AllanShowalter.com (these posts can be found at Leonard Cohen). This entry was originally posted Mar 1, 2018.