Avishai Cohen
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Avishai Cohen – Bridging Jazz and Classical Worlds
Over the past 30 years, internationally acclaimed bassist, singer, and composer Avishai Cohen has become one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz – a true heavyweight whose catalogue stands alongside some of the most legendary names in the genre and beyond.
Cohen’s original compositions and arrangements reflect an expansive musical universe, blending diverse traditions, cultures, languages, and styles. His music seamlessly weaves Hebrew and Ladino folk influences with pulsating original contemporary jazz creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern.
Renowned for his captivating live performances, Cohen’s unmistakable sound and magnetic stage presence have earned him a global following. His concerts draw large audiences and passionate fans across continents – listeners moved by the emotional depth and rhythmic vitality of his music. Cohen’s artistic voice has inspired and influenced a generation of musicians.
Today, he is celebrated as a composer and musical innovator without boundaries.
In recent years, Cohen has continued to expand his artistic scope, performing with both his acclaimed trio and full symphony orchestras. On his current tour with his established trio, he presents music from his latest album “Brightlight” (October 2024) featuring brand-new compositions alongside fan favourites and pieces from his extensive repertoire. It is the culmination of this musical journey, bringing two worlds together – classical and jazz.
True to form, Cohen also continues his tradition of promoting and discovering emerging talent, performing with outstanding young musicians Itay Simhovich (piano) and Eviatar Slivnik (drums).
“The stage is undoubtedly where Cohen feels most at home – attending one of his live performances is perhaps the best way to experience the full scope of his musical universe.”
Press
“Voted one of the 100 Most Influential Bass Players of the 20th Century”
– Bass Player Magazine
“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
“Bright, hopeful, courageous, and, above all, extremely beautiful. Avishai Cohen’s new album is another gem not to be missed”
– T. Bau , Mass Jazz Magazine, Spain
“Drama, ingenuity, romance and emotional power are Cohen’s recipe, which he serves up on stage from start to finish like a top athlete. Whether it is a piece by Gershwin, Liszt, Van Heusen or himself, it all passes through the same filter and it becomes Avishai Cohen music. Passionately dancing around his wooden sweetheart as if it were a first wedding night. The bis became almost predictable, but in the grateful sense.”
– Jazzhalo B
“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 (Rimini live Show) Emmanuel di Tommaso
“Consistency and excellence are two of the most fundamental requisites for achieving an optimal career in music. The Israeli bassist and composer Avishai Cohen has maintained those standards for many years, and his trio emerges always with a powerful offering that should reinforce his status as a jazz-based titan.”
– Offtopic Magazine
“The Three-in-One Trio Sound of streamlined piano, syncopated bass and rhythmic drums. You’ve done it again, Avishai!“
– Hiroki Sugita, jazz journalist, Japan
“His prowess on the contrabass, so articulate, so glorious – pizzicato or con arco – so straight to the heart, so ridiculously rare; his prodigious compositions and orchestrations so evocatively singular that any opportunity to listen to – and savour – Brightlight is a must.“
– Raúl da Gama, Global Music Media, Canada
“The latest album from the Israeli double bassist is simply thrilling. It sings, it swings, it moves. This album exudes the joy of playing, reflects the wide musical world of Avishai Cohen and embodies all the creativity and dynamism of Avishai and his accomplices.”
– Le Soir