Record Reviews

AVISHAI COHEN ~ AFTER THE BIG RAIN ANZIC 5101 (Barcode: 616892887928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), one of several Israeli Jazz musicians who are already firmly established on the international scene. Avishai is the brother of Anat CohenFind albums by this artist and Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, both gifted reeds players, and together they perform under the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist moniker. This album is the first release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain", and presents Cohen in a quintet setting with guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist, bassists Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Chekere player Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The ensemble creates together a highly atmospheric and beautiful mixture of Jazz and World Music, which is a superb example of how Jazz can be saved from stagnation and pushed beyond its usual perimeters. Cohen skillfully employs the trumpet´s natural lyricism as well as electronic effects to produce a plethora of different sounds. Lindner´s playing is delicate and touching, especially when he uses the Fender Rhodes (no other keyboard except the Hammond has such profound and unique sound for me). Loueke´s guitar adds ethnic colors and his occasional vocals (in the Fon language) take the music straight into the heart of Africa. Avital is brilliant, as always, with his bass pulsating like a heart of the music and finally Freedman ornaments the music rather than driving it forcefully, which in this case is exactly what the music needs. Cohen composed most of the music, with Lindner and Loueke contributing one tune each. Altogether this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining tradition with vision, excellently executed and uplifting. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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AVISHAI COHEN ~ UNITY STRETCH 9036 (Barcode: 013431903628) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 4th album by Israeli bassist / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and almost a complete about face for him in many respects. Cohen abandons the acoustic bass (which brought him his glory), switching to piano and electric bass and joins four other excellent musicians to form what they call The International Vamp BandFind albums by this artist. The quintet also includes Avi LebovichFind albums by this artist on trombone, Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist on saxes, Diego UrcolaFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Yagil BarasFind albums by this artist on acoustic bass and Antonio SanchezFind albums by this artist on drums. Together they play some of the most exciting and invigorating music I heard in a long time, skillfully mixing Jazz with ethnic influences, mostly those of Latin, Cuban and Mexican music, but also touching on others, like the obvious Cohen’s Middle Eastern roots. Cohen wrote all the music, except for one standard. The performances are brilliant throughout, with many great solos, including Cohen on electric bass a la Jaco Pastorius. This music is a great document of the true “unity” that music offers to all people, regardless of race, nationality or cultural background – when it is good, it sound good to everybody. It is uplifting to see Jazz musicians embracing and incorporating ethnic roots, creating new mixtures and expanding the somewhat stiff palette of traditional Jazz. Cohen is undoubtedly a Master of his trade and his musical adventures so far provide a superb opportunity for his listeners to step across boundaries and learn new sounds, rhythms and musical colors. A must!

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