After performing with a number of Montreal-based bands, vocalists and guitar players, Jon Cohen said he is happy to be on his own musical journey.
The Jon Cohen Experimental began in 2006. His tour is making a stop in Sudbury Jan. 12 at Myths and Mirrors on Frood Road. The show is set to begin at 8 p.m.
While the music itself isn’t particularly “experimental,” Cohen said his approach to a solo career is.
“It’s an opportunity for me to reinvent myself,” he said.
Cohen said he made the transition in order to focus on his personal music career, instead of using all his energy on other people’s projects.
“I’ve got a lot to say musically, and I’ve a got a voice,” he said.
The Montreal “born and bred” artist currently works with a drummer and a bass player. He said his “core” musicians have worked with him on both his solo albums.
But for his current North American tour, Cohen is flying solo.
“This tour is very experimental,” he said. “It’s going to take me to new places musically and logistically.”
He said he expects to be a “very different person” by the time the three-and-a-half month tour wraps up.
As for his Sudbury venue, Cohen said he likes “to play in different spaces — not your typical dark and gloomy bar.”
Even though he’ll be performing on his own, he said the audience shouldn’t expect “less bang for their buck.”
“Expect something innovative, psychedelic — a journey of spirit, music, mind and body,” Cohen said.
“But don’t expect enlightenment,” he added, with a laugh.
Cohen’s music, which he described as a musical “buffet,” transcends a variety of genres. His “poetic” lyrics cover everything from the destructive habits of humans to modern life.
He said it’s never been classified as a certain type of music, which is OK in his books.
“My whole approach to music is not to be pigeonholed,” he said. “As soon as I’m starting to feel like I’m nailing on a sound, I naturally want to veer away from it.”
For more information about The Jon Cohen Experimental, visit www.myspace.com/thejoncohenexperience. Tickets to his show in Sudbury cost $5, and can be purchased at the door. The first 20 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of Cohen's album.
