Israeli Singer Geva Alon Salutes Jewish Poet Icon Leonard Cohen

Geva Alon has always had a penchant for the English language. Over the past 22 years, the 45-year-old Israeli singer-songwriter-rocker has predominantly released material in English.

This might come as a surprise to some, given that he has just one Hebrew album, Tihyee Itee (Be With Me), released in 2014. Alon’s discography and musical influences are deeply rooted in the works of American, British, and Canadian artists.

A notable instance of this is his recent collaboration with cellist-vocalist Maya Belsitzman and internationally renowned singer Ester Rada to honor the legendary Canadian troubadour Leonard Cohen.

Two years ago, this trio paid tribute to Cohen at Beit Avi Chai in Jerusalem. The show was a hit, and now they are set to reprise it with a seven-gig national tour, starting at the Performing Arts Center in Beersheba on September 2.

The tour will continue through September 18, with performances in Ashdod, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

Adding to the program is American-born journalist and author Matti Friedman, who will provide audiences with insights into Cohen’s life and work, drawing from his research for his book Who By Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai.

The book title refers to a song from Cohen’s 1974 album New Skin for the Old Ceremony, which is inspired by the Unetaneh Tokef liturgical passage of the Yom Kippur mussaf service.

The second part of the title alludes to Cohen’s visit to Israel during the Yom Kippur War, where he performed for IDF troops in Sinai, often near the front lines.

Growing up on Kibbutz Maabarot near Netanya, Alon was exposed to a variety of pop and rock music thanks to his three older brothers. He was introduced to the sounds of Neil Young and Led Zeppelin early on, but it took him longer to discover Cohen’s evocative and plaintive body of work.

“I really got into that later on in life,” Alon notes. However, some of Cohen’s iconic songs, like “Susanne” and “Hallelujah,” were familiar to him long before he consciously engaged with them.

These tracks, from Cohen’s 1967 debut album Songs of Leonard Cohen and his 1984 album Various Positions, have become ingrained in popular culture, the latter gaining renewed popularity after being featured in the 2001 animated film Shrek.

The initial run of the “Who By Fire” project allowed Alon to delve deeper into Cohen’s music. “When I got the call from Beit Avi Chai, for me that was an opportunity to dive even more deeply into this material. I was delighted to immerse myself in it, into the lyrics and music, and to perform them,” he says.

Alon discovered that performing Cohen’s songs provided a deeper understanding of them. “Whenever you sing a song, you understand it far more deeply than you do when you just listen to it. It is like seeing a suit in a store and then you put it on. You put the song on. You feel it on you,” Alon explains.

Alon’s exploration of Cohen’s work has also led him to learn about the aspects of Cohen’s life that informed his music. “The show focuses strongly on Cohen and his bond with Israel and his Judaism. People who have come to our shows have said they were surprised to learn about his close ties with Judaism.

That is very moving.” Alon believes that Cohen’s Jewish identity played a role in his decision to perform for IDF troops in 1973. “Going to dangerous places and singing was also an expression of that feeling of Judaism.”

When not paying tribute to Cohen, Alon is busy writing, recording, and performing his own material. His latest album, I Never Land, is set to be released next month, with a series of launch gigs planned to promote it. Alon’s lyrics often reflect the struggles of life, a theme he acknowledges.

“Making music is tough,” he observes. “I recently read a quote from David Bowie in which he said, ‘If you’re in a comfortable place you’re not making art.’ It’s always a struggle.”

Alon’s musical journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft. His ability to traverse different musical landscapes, from his English-language releases to his Hebrew album, and his deep dive into Cohen’s work, showcases his versatility and commitment to exploring new artistic avenues.

As he prepares to embark on the national tour with Belsitzman and Rada, Alon is not only paying homage to a musical legend but also continuing his own evolution as an artist.

The upcoming tour promises to be a unique blend of music and storytelling, with Friedman’s insights providing a deeper context to Cohen’s songs.

It is an opportunity for audiences to experience Cohen’s music in a new light and to appreciate the profound impact he had on artists like Alon.

As Alon, Belsitzman, and Rada take to the stage, they will be celebrating Cohen’s legacy and sharing their own interpretations of his timeless songs.

For Alon, this project is more than just a tribute; it is a personal journey into the heart of Cohen’s music and its enduring relevance.

“Whenever you sing a song, you understand it far more deeply than you do when you just listen to it,” Alon reiterates. This tour is a chance for him to connect with Cohen’s work on a profound level and to share that connection with audiences across Israel.

As Alon looks forward to the release of I Never Land and the upcoming tour, he remains committed to his artistic journey. His exploration of Cohen’s music has not only deepened his appreciation for the legendary troubadour but has also enriched his own musical repertoire.

With each performance, Alon continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, creating music that resonates with audiences and honors the legacy of those who have inspired him.