goodbye linda
Every few years I enjoy listening to some songs of Linda Cohen. The ones I like best are quiet, comforting, with satisfying chord changes and gentle chutzpa — a blend of classical, blues and folk. So today I decided to find out more about this talented but obscure guitarist and Googled her.
Turns out she died in January, in her home in Philly where she taught guitar. Sigh.
I discovered her in a slightly roundabout fashion — I was studying graphic arts in college, and one of my heros was Milton Glaser. He did the album cover art for Angel Alley by Linda Cohen, whom I’d never heard of but didn’t care — I ordered the album for the cover alone. Turned out the music wasn’t bad either. A little heavy on the electronics for solo acoustic guitar (is how I feel today), but some tasteful tunes.
I hope to play one of her tunes myself before I die.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Sorry to hear of her death. I must have caught your brain wave, because I mentioned her in a caption to my gallery of Franklin Boulevard apartment buildings that I posted on 11/3. I loved “Angel Alley”. Ronda owned it when I met her, and we still have it. One track, “Arroyo”, has stayed with me ever since. I periodically dig out the album to refresh my memory.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Of all my readers, only you would appreciate knowing that I special-ordered ‘Angel Alley’ from the Record Co-op (speaking of Ronda). Guess I’ll listen to Arroyo tonight…
November 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Frank, we saw Larry Teich at a local gathering recently. He was sorry to have missed you the last time you came through.
November 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi Larry! Sorry I missed him too, there’s too many old friends and not enough time during my infrequent, short visits… this year maybe not at all…
November 14th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Dude…there is no track titled Arroyo on Angel Alley. It’s on Leda (thanks, Google).