New album: Aurora
EMI/Blue Note Records

Jazz is now moving into a great era. After many years of opposition between traditionalists and modern jazz proponents, fans are now discovering a new approach to the genre which gives priority to mixing, intermingling, swing and the pure pleasure of music.

Pleasure is certainly one of the driving forces behind the work of Avishai Cohen – that together with an insatiable desire to share his passion for jazz with his audiences. There have been too few musicians throughout the history of jazz who were able to create a direct bond between their instruments and the audience. But with his talent and energy Cohen is able to summon the perfect ambiance in a matter of seconds, moving listeners with just three notes and bring joy to the hearts of all who come to see him perform. Constantly raising artistic standards, he has been able to weave this solid but invisible link throughout his career. It is this link that touches the listener deeply and makes a jazz artist a star.  The phenomenon that is Avishai Cohen now unites spirits well beyond the borders of jazz. Having moved outside any clearly defined categories, Avishai electrifies the audience at each performance. And now, already enjoying a well-deserved reputation as a gifted and imaginative composer and one of the best living bass players, Cohen reveals himself to be a talented singer as well.

Avishai Cohen was born in 1970 in Israel to a musical family. As a child he began learning piano, but switched to electric bass guitar after discovering the legendary Jaco Pastorius. When he set off from Tel Aviv to conquer the world after two years of service in the army band, New York was a logical first destination. But the young Israeli had a difficult first year, at times even working in construction to make ends meet. Then came the Latin bands. A child of the Middle East, already well acquainted with a typical rhythm sections, Cohen could soon be found playing alongside Panamanian artist Danilo Perez on the Latin borders of today’s jazz.

It was around this time that he formed his first group, an orchestra with multiple influences that found an admirer in a certain Chick Corea, who soon offered him a record deal under his own label Stretch as well as the bass chair in his new group.

This would be the beginning of Corea’s sextet Origin – a rejuvenating new project for Corea and the best of training grounds for Cohen. This group took the young artist to the best stages around the world. During this period he acquired discipline, expertise and control and learned how to bond with an audience. He also sharpened his skills as a composer and gained an intimate rapport with melody. Avishai was soon in very high demand, accompanying artists such as, Bobby McFerrin, among many others, and performing with the London, Israel Philharmonic Orchestras and the Boston Pops Symphony.

After releasing four albums under his mentor’s label and acquiring international renown, Avishai  decided to take the plunge and launch a solo career.

Cohen created his own label during 2003 Razdaz Recordz and began exploring new directions that interested him. For  seven years he has dedicated himself to forging his own path, never refusing an invitation to perform. Step by step, concert after concert, Avishai has  succeeded in building a strong network and an intimate bond with his music and  fans.

Avishai Cohen remains a composer above all. Over the years his exploration of his roots, his history and the blending of his influences has become deeper, denser and more moving. Returning to Tel Aviv, he surrounded himself with several choice associates. He now works closely with lifelong friends and young artists ready to go anywhere he will take them. Amos Hoffman’s oud, Itamar Doari’s creative percussion, Shai Maestro’s delicate touch and Karen Malka’s unique vocals create fertile soil for countless possibilities.

With the latest new album Aurora, his 11^th release, Avishai Cohen has reached a certain essence of expression, using voice as a direct and powerful vehicle for his emotions.

Singing – in Hebrew, English, Spanish and Ladino. The  music draws its source in the earth of his home country, at the crossroads of many cultures. Arab-Andalusian and Hebraic, it tells the story of Bedouins of the desert and speaks of life, love, youth and freedom.

Jazz naturally remains at the heart of this original universe – the ideal meeting place for all kinds of  encounters.. Aurora is a work of synergy under the Blue Note label, which for years seems to have been at the centre of all futures in jazz, of which Avishai Cohen is undeniably the most modern and irresistible standard-bearer.

By: Sebastien Vidal- Journalist / Broadcaster March 2009.