Canadian poet and musician Bob Jensen joins flamenco guitar legend Juan Martín for a stunning interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s timeless classic.
Montreal-based musician, author, and spoken word poet Bob Jensen has joined forces with internationally acclaimed Spanish flamenco guitarist Juan Martín for a captivating new interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.”
Bringing together the poetry of Canada and the passionate sounds of Andalucía, the collaboration offers a fresh perspective on one of Cohen’s most celebrated compositions.
Originally written in Montreal, the city Jensen now calls home, “Suzanne” holds a particularly special place in his heart.
“I’ve been listening to Cohen since I was a kid,” Jensen shares. “And as much as I love him, I dislike the great majority of the Cohen covers I have heard.”
Determined to honour the original while creating something distinctly their own, Jensen and Martín approached the recording with a shared vision.
“Juan and I agreed that we wanted to pay homage to the song and the artist, but also to put our own stamp on it. Otherwise, what would the purpose be?”
Bob Jensen and Juan Martín Bring New Life to “Suzanne”
For Jensen, covering “Suzanne” wasn’t a decision made lightly.
“In a lifetime of listening to singer-songwriters, Suzanne is the only song I have ever heard that I consider to be perfect. It is a prayer, it is an ode, a love song, it is incense drifting up to heaven. I am very grateful to be working with an artist of Juan’s calibre on this greatest of all songs.”
The recording itself reflects the international nature of the collaboration.
Martín’s guitar parts were recorded by Antonio Nava in Cádiz, Spain, while Jensen recorded his vocals with Colin Buchanan at The Pink Palace in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Additional contributions came from Maria Dunn on backing vocals, with Bill Garrett handling mixing and Don Ross mastering the track at Goby Fish Digital Aquarium in Windsor, Nova Scotia.
Jensen and Martín co-produced the recording, while Annie Gallup created the cover artwork.
The result brings together two distinct musical traditions, blending flamenco guitar with the poetic storytelling that has made Cohen’s songwriting resonate across generations.
Juan Martín’s Legendary Flamenco Career
Born in Málaga, Spain, Juan Martín began studying guitar at just six years old before moving to Madrid to further develop his craft under influential flamenco musicians Niño Ricardo and Paco de Lucía.
Over the decades, Martín has established himself as one of the world’s most respected flamenco guitarists.
Recognized multiple times by Guitar Player magazine as one of the world’s top three guitarists, he has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
His remarkable career includes collaborations with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Rory Gallagher, Mark Isham, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Martín also performed at Pablo Picasso’s 90th birthday celebration at the artist’s invitation, an experience that inspired his album Picasso Portraits.
Beyond performing, he has dedicated much of his career to preserving and teaching flamenco traditions. His instructional book, El Arte Flamenco de la Guitarra, became an influential resource for guitar students around the world.
With approximately 20 albums to his name, Martín continues to share the music of Andalucía with international audiences.
Bob Jensen’s Journey Through Music and Poetry
Born in Northern New Brunswick in 1959, Bob Jensen has followed an unconventional creative path spanning music, poetry, writing, and artist management.
He released his debut album, First Time Since August, in his early twenties before performing as a folk musician throughout Canada.
Following years spent working various jobs and raising a family, Jensen eventually returned to creative expression through poetry.
His 2018 spoken word album, A Blossom for Job, helped introduce his work to new audiences and led to a regular CBC Radio feature, Word Is with Bob Jensen.
Throughout his career, Jensen has collaborated with an impressive range of musicians, including Bruce Cockburn, Ani DiFranco, Lennie Gallant, James Keelaghan, Sylvia Tyson, and Tony McManus.
His songwriting has also achieved international recognition. Claire Lynch’s recording of “Who But Man,” featuring Jensen’s lyrics, reached number one on an American bluegrass chart in two consecutive years.
Beyond music, Jensen has published the novel The Matchbox Funeral and poetry collection A Sense of Wonder, with additional projects currently in development.
A Timeless Leonard Cohen Classic Reimagined
With their interpretation of “Suzanne,” Bob Jensen and Juan Martín demonstrate how a beloved song can take on new meaning when approached through different musical traditions.
By combining Jensen’s deeply personal connection to Cohen’s songwriting with Martín’s expressive flamenco guitar, the pair have created a tribute that respects the original while introducing a distinctive artistic perspective.
More than a cover, their collaboration celebrates the enduring power of music to connect artists, cultures, and generations.
