Last night I saw Leonard Cohen play the Ottawa stop of his latest world tour.  It was a really great show - he played from 8 until 11:45 with a half hour break in the middle.  The guy's 78 years old!  He looks somewhat gaunt, but he is quite spry.  And his voice sounded great - well, great in a Leonard Cohen context.  He was backed by a 9 piece band full of excellent musicians, and the arrangements of his songs took full advantage of them.  The tour is supporting his latest release, "Old Ideas", which isn't as strong as his older material, despite the very positive reviews that it has received.  He played 3 or 4 songs from that album,  but he focused more on his back catalogue.  The staging was very simple, relying mostly on simple lighting techniques for visual effect, but it was very tastefully done.  But the visuals were understated, drawing attention primarily to the music, which was wonderful.  Cohen's words, sung in his deep and distinctive voice and accompanied by exquisitely played acoustic guitar, electric guitar, violin and organ solos - I enjoyed every minute of it, and the rest of the crowd was equally appreciative.  He's got to be approaching the end of his performing days, and I'm glad I had a chance to see him before he gives it up.