Spanish flamenco guitarist Juan Martín and Canadian musician and spoken-word poet Bob Jensen have released a new version of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne,” combining flamenco guitar with Jensen’s vocals. The track was recorded across three countries: Martín’s guitar parts were tracked in Cádiz, Spain, while Jensen recorded vocals in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Maria Dunn contributed backing vocals, and the track was mixed by Bill Garrett and mastered by Don Ross in Nova Scotia. Martín and Jensen produced the recording together.
Jensen said he set out to interpret the Cohen standard differently from other covers he has heard, aiming to honor the song while adding a distinct arrangement. Martín, who studied under Niño Ricardo and Paco de Lucía and has been cited by Guitar Player magazine among the world’s top guitarists, has previously collaborated with artists including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Jensen, a longtime folk musician and later spoken-word artist, has written lyrics recorded by Claire Lynch and others and hosts a recurring segment on CBC Radio.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.