LEONARD Cohen’s voice was like Marmite, loved and mocked in equal measures, as if he was lighting up gravel and getting through sixty a day, at the very least.

But whatever people say about his vocal achievements, there’s no doubt that he wrote haunting, iconic songs which are likely to endure.

And a tribute show coming to Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall this February will help to keep the flame alive.

Keith James in concert will perform The Songs of Leonard, a show that’s now in its eight year.

A spokesman said: “Enigmatic and mysterious, songwriter Leonard Cohen was an unflinching character, with an exact sense of prose, wry humour and courage to wrestle with the unspoken, forgiving human frailty with the stroke of each line. He challenged us to listen more carefully, think more deeply and recognize our own fragility. A Man of Grace.

“With a lifetime reputation of performing in this exact way and a love of the ‘pure song’ Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable, exposing the solitary inner strength of his greatest songs.”

The spokesman added: “ Keith has performed over 400 of these concerts, proving to be the greatest honour in Keith James’ 40 year music career.

“The concert includes Cohen’s well known songs: Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne and Hallelujah alongside rarer and profound writing: Who by Fire, Joan of Arc and Secret Life.

“Also included are Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence.”

Lorca is widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest poets but was murdered during the Spanish Civil War for his sexuality and for supporting left-wing politics.

Keith has also transcribed into song one of Leonard’s poems from his collection ‘Book of Longing’

The date for the diary is February 22, at 7.30pm.

Tickets: 01905 611 427