Avishai Cohen
PROJECTS:
AVISHAI COHEN TRIO
Over the last two decades Internationally acclaimed bassist, singer, composer Avishai Cohen, has earned his reputation as one of the world's greatest bassists. It is however as a composer that his musical statement has grown extensively throughout the world, attracting large live audiences, listeners and passionate fans.
Avishai is back on stage again after a long period off the road due to the COVID 19 pandemic worldwide. “I have missed so much the stage, my fans, and touring in general. I am so thrilled to perform live music with my fans in safer environments and conditions; music heals.” Without a doubt, Avishai Cohen is one of the best bassists of his time, captivating large live audiences, listeners and passionate fans worldwide. With his new trio line-up, Cohen will present music from his latest trio album Shifting Sands (release May 2022) which include brand new original compositions, alongside fan favorites and repertoire from his vast musical library.
Cohen, who has always distinguished himself in the past as a great promoter and discoverer of new, young gifted musicians, once again brings exceptional talent within this new trio configuration pianist Guy Moskovich and young Israeli drummer Roni Kaspi.
BANDA IROKO
Avishai Cohen has been wishing to present this special traditional roots music live since his early days in NYC. Inspired by the Iroko tree, thought by the Yoruban people to be inhabited by spirits and possess healing properties, Banda Iroko features some of the first musicians Avishai ever performed with the small club scene of downtown NYC in the early 90s. Hailing from Cuba, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, the bandmembers bring Latin beats and percussion to the mix - melding the traditions brought over from Western Africa with those invented in the Americas.
The world premiere was in March 2023 at Le Chatelet in Paris. An album of duets from this project followed in May 2023.
PRESS QUOTES:
“His playing remains as jaw dropping as ever”
DownBeat
“As a live performer, Cohen is hard to beat”
London Jazz
“Cohen was a brilliant band leader, rightly comfortable in front of the packed audience and guiding the group across a twisting, turning musical landscape. His attentive, often protective role at the centre of the trio gave Shirinov and Kaspi space to shine.”
London Jazz News
“There’s new, unheard-before music on offer too, much of it primed to show off the synchronicity Cohen shares with pianist Elchin Shirinov, as they deftly harmonise on melody lines. Young drummer Roni Kaspi is a revelation, an often-effortless player with a graceful control of the kit.”
Jazzwise
“Cohen plays through flashes of genius: it is impressive the spectrum of sounds and chromaticism’s he can generate by plucking at different points and with different intensity each string of the double bass, or playing it like a guitar or cello with a bow.”
All About Jazz
“Avishai Cohen...has carved an enviable reputation as one of the most passionately intelligent and powerful jazz bassists on the planet today.”
Bass Guitar Magazine
