The Secret Chord
A one of a kind tribute band experience
Renowned Artists Who Have Covered Leonard Cohen songs
[Leonard Cohen’s] gift or genius is in his connection to the music of the spheres.
— Bob Dylan
Sting
KD Lang
Elvis Costello
Bob Seger
Lana del Rey
Jennifer Warnes
Bob Dylan
R.E.M.
Nick Cave
John Cale
The Pixies
Judy Collins
Rufus Wainwright
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Laurie Anderson
Elton John
The Chieftains
Billy Joel
Peter Gabriel
Bono
Phil Collins
Don Henley
Trisha Yearwood
Tori Amos
Aaron Neville
Willie Nelson
Suzanne Vega
Jeff Buckley
Nina Simone
Aimee Mann
Joe Cocker
Madeleine Peyroux
Emmylou Harris
David Gilmour
Johnny Cash
Concrete Blond
Roberta Flack
Ron Sexsmith
Bette Midler
Michael Buble
The Lemonheads
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Nirvana
Beck
Ian McCulloch
Mama Cass
Norah Jones
Sarah McLachlan
Peter Gabriel
James Taylor
Iggy Pop
Gregory Porter
Luciana Souza
Mavis Staples
Lou Reed
Brandi Carlile
Renée Fleming
Neil Diamond
Bon Jovi
Tangerine Dream
Damien Rice
Straight No Chaser
Johnny Mathis
Pentatonix
Andrea Bocelli
Chris Botti
Klezmer Conservatory Band
The Civil Wars
The Vogues
Feist
Jackie deShannon
Tim Hardin
Rita Coolidge
Fairport Convention
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Richard Thompson
Mark Erelli
Our repertoire includes two full sets of Cohen masterworks spanning the entire 50-year range of his musical career, with musical styles ranging from folk to rock to blues and jazz ballads, and themes ranging from the tenderest love ballads to the fiercest social and political commentary.
BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE LEONARD COHEN TRIBUTE BAND IN THE U.S.: The Secret Chord
The Secret Chord was inspired when founder Gordon Kramer saw a documentary featuring many of Cohen’s later concerts — bringing back his own experience, many years past, of the magical gift that Leonard and his music brought to his audiences.
Much of that was Leonard’s personal presence, the inimitable poet, sage, healer and sometimes stand-up comic – and no one can bring that back, even groups that re-enact past Cohen concerts note for note. But so much of the magic is in the music itself. The Secret Chord’s mission is to pay tribute to the man, his message, and his song — in our own unique way.
The Secret Chord‘s members bring to the stage close to 150 years of combined performing experience:
Guitarist and vocalist Gordon Kramer developed his pipes singing musical theatre – unamplified! – and left off developing his singer/songwriter career to be the band’s “Leonard”.
Singer Jody Spitz shares a musical theatre background as well.
Singer Ruth Critcher brings years of experience as singer and vocal arranger for various small ensembles.
Drummer Patrick Kelley brings a steady hand and calm sensibility based on decades of performing.
Classically-trained keyboardist Jesse Sprole is perhaps more at home soloing a Chopin etude than playing with a rock band – but classical piano’s loss is absolutely The Secret Chord‘s gain!
And bassist Jeff Jacobson‘s resume reads like a Who’s Who of classic soul, R&B, pop and rock – he’s played for two U.S. Presidents and with artists including Chuck Berry, Mitch Ryder, Percy Sledge, Fabian, Martha Reeves and Leslie Gore – to name a few – and with R&B greats like The Platters and The Drifters.
Booking Inquiries
From dinner theatre to music festival to concert hall, The Secret Chord is ready! Also ask about our special presentation, How the Light Gets In, with additional emphasis on Cohen’s poetry and message of spiritual healing.
To book The Secret Chord, please email us at band@thesecretchord.band, or use the form below. To see more about The Secret Chord, please visit https://thescretchord.band – or visit our Youtube channel (see below) for more performance videos.