Avishai Cohen

Avishai Cohen - 1970 (2017) {Sony Music ‎88985462022 - Complete Artwork}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 277 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 109 Mb
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© 2017 Sony Music ‎/ 88985462022
Jazz / Folk Jazz / Jewish Music / Adult Contemporary / Bass

Having come to prominence playing with legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea in the '90s, Israeli-born bassist Avishai Cohen has developed into a virtuoso performer and bandleader with a stylistically expansive sound. His aptly titled 2017 studio album, 1970, showcases this broad approach with a set of original compositions and traditional songs that harken back to the socially minded folk, pop and world fusion of his birth year. In many ways, 1970 is the amalgamation of several key influences that have shaped Cohen's creative life, including the Jewish folk music, pop, and Sephardic Ladino songs his mother played for him while he was growing up.

Bassist Avishai Cohen's fourth Stretch release marks the debut of a new project, the International Vamp Band, which first went public in early 2001 in a series of performances at the Jazz Gallery in New York. Interestingly, Cohen is the band's pianist. He leaves the upright bass duties to Yagil Baras and only occasionally overdubs lines on electric bass. The other musicians are Diego Urcola on trumpet and flügelhorn, Yosvany Terry on alto and tenor saxophones and chekere, Avi Lebovich on trombone and flute, and Antonio Sanchez on drums.

"The first time I heard Nitai, it was in a little cafe in downtown Tel Aviv, Nico, in my neighbourhood." Avishai Cohen literally fell for Nitai Hershkovits : barely 20 and despite a cheapo keyboard the youngster reminded him of Chick Corea and Danilo Perez, two illustrious peers the double bass player had been lucky enough to play with."Nitai just swings naturally, with gentle authority; I've rarely seen that with other young pianists. He has something ancient within, a spirit that shines right through the way he tackles standards. You have to know your classics inside out, and love them, to tease the wonder out of them : no point just going over the same old ground, you have to do your own take, make them part of you. Nitai brings a fresh touch, reminding me of Brad Melhdau, without actually making any comparison. He has the same intent of making each song his own.

This Kiev concert is, no doubt, memorable for all those who was then at the concert hall – and, apart from them, all of their relatives and acquaintances, because the sensations then had to find at least some way out) Non-speaking about it was just dangerous, and impossible as well… And – that was speaking enthusiastically, selflessly, and partly – silently (because this music is still much greater than any words), with light in the eyes, warm shine on the face – right? I’m sure that I’m right. Between the hall and the scene, a mystery of incredible might and depth took place, that was Music that for some time melted the several hundreds of various, separate souls – into the joint, large, live heart. I think that on that evening there was enough love to prevent or stop some war in the world.

Avishai Cohen - As Is… Live At The Blue Note (2007) [CD+DVD] {Half Note Records}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 379 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 149 Mb
DVD5 -> 4.07 Gb | All Regions | NTSC 16:9 | LPCM 2 ch | ~ 85 min | ISO Image
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 131 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2007 Half Note Records | HN4531
Jazz / Post Bop / Progressive Jazz / Bass

Avishai Cohen, who became well known in the jazz world during his period with Chick Corea, is one of the top bassists in the world. His virtuosity and constant creativity in both a modern mainstream format and on funkier grooves seem effortless. As Is…Live at the Blue Note contains a CD (the first seven selections) and a DVD. "Smash," "Feediop," the ballad "Remembering" and an overlong "Caravan" (the one non-original) are featured in both formats while three songs are different.

From the brooding opening title track to the closing Chet Baker homage, "I Fall in Love Too Easily," Dark Nights unapologetically embraces the heart of jazz. Every aspect of the album—from the cover photo, to Cohen's precise trumpet inflections, to the trio's dedication to immediacy and collective improvisation (and even the album's forays into electronic affects)—is saturated with the emblematic textures, rhythms, and imagery of jazz. This is achieved with professionalism, creativity, and skill, without a wit of irony or cliche, while avoiding both navel-gazing insularity and crowd-pleasing revivalism.

From Darkness sees the Israeli composer, bassist and singer go back to the very core of his musical idiom and activity, but with Avishai, what may seem as a return to the basics always brings the promise of a new beginning. From Darkness once again opens an essential gateway into a new creative and expressive dimension. “It is the first time since Gently Disturbed that I have the feeling I am reaching a new, fresh and incredibly substantial form with the trio.” A belief reinforced by two outstanding partners, pianist Nitai Hershkovits and drummer Daniel Dor.

Charismatic trumpeter Avishai Cohen launched his exuberant, home-grown band Big Vicious six years ago, after relocating from the US to his native Israel, rounding up players to shape the music from the ground up, and co-authoring much of its newest material together with them. The group is an association of old friends. “We’re all coming from jazz, but some of us left it earlier”, Avishai says, summing up the stylistic reach of his cohorts. “Everyone’s bringing in their backgrounds, and that becomes part of the sound of the band.” Textures from electronica, ambient music and psychedelia are part of the blend, so too grooves and beats from rock, pop, trip-hop and more. A wide-open approach to cover versions – from Massive Attack to Beethoven - is also integral to the Vicious vision. Recorded in Studios La Buissonne in the South of France in August 2019 and produced by Manfred Eicher, Big Vicious’s debut album is issued as the band gears up for extensive international touring.