Avishai
Cohen “AURORA” CD
About
the album:
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.
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 11th 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.
Tracking
list:
1.
Morenika
2.
Interlude in C sharp Minor
3.
El Hatzipor
4.
Leolam
5.
Winter song
6. It's been so long
7.
Alon Basela
8.
Still
9.
Shir Preda
10.
Aurora
11.
Alfonsina y el Mar
12.
Noches Noches / La Luz
