Record Reviews

ANAT COHEN ~ NOTES FROM THE VILLAGE ANZIC 1302 (Barcode: 896434001177) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 4th album by Israeli (resident in US) clarinetist / saxophonist / composer Anat CohenFind albums by this artist, sister of trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who are also collectively known as the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist. Cohen is already established as one of the leading female Jazz performers in the US and her previous releases have earned her much deserved critical acclaim. On this album Cohen returns to a classic quartet format, with keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist (the only non-Israeli on this album), bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. Cohen´s prime instrument is the clarinet, which she plays masterfully and with a unique lyricism, rooted deeply in the Jewish tradition of that instrument, but she also plays the soprano and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet on this album, displaying her instrumental versatility. Half of the album´s material comprises of Cohen´s original compositions, the rest are standards, including a great version of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s "After The Rain". It is a real pleasure to hear these young, but extremely talented musicians, carrying the Jazz tradition into the next Century, expanding it with their own fresh ideas and youthful enthusiasm. Cohen masterly mixes Middle Eastern, Cuban, and above all Jewish ethnic elements into her delivery, with deep sensitivity and finesse. Overall this is a great Jazz album, which is also accessible to a much wider audience beyond the hard-core Jazz circle, without loosing any of its musical integrity. Delightful!

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AVISHAI COHEN ~ AFTER THE BIG RAIN ANZIC 5101 (Barcode: 616892887928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), one of several Israeli Jazz musicians who are already firmly established on the international scene. Avishai is the brother of Anat CohenFind albums by this artist and Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, both gifted reeds players, and together they perform under the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist moniker. This album is the first release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain", and presents Cohen in a quintet setting with guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist, bassists Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Chekere player Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The ensemble creates together a highly atmospheric and beautiful mixture of Jazz and World Music, which is a superb example of how Jazz can be saved from stagnation and pushed beyond its usual perimeters. Cohen skillfully employs the trumpet´s natural lyricism as well as electronic effects to produce a plethora of different sounds. Lindner´s playing is delicate and touching, especially when he uses the Fender Rhodes (no other keyboard except the Hammond has such profound and unique sound for me). Loueke´s guitar adds ethnic colors and his occasional vocals (in the Fon language) take the music straight into the heart of Africa. Avital is brilliant, as always, with his bass pulsating like a heart of the music and finally Freedman ornaments the music rather than driving it forcefully, which in this case is exactly what the music needs. Cohen composed most of the music, with Lindner and Loueke contributing one tune each. Altogether this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining tradition with vision, excellently executed and uplifting. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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YUVAL COHEN ~ FREEDOM ANZIC 3101 (Barcode: 6168928822303) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 1st album by Israeli saxophonist / composer Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who with his two siblings Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and Anat CohenFind albums by this artist (clarinet and saxophone) co-leads the Jazz group 3 CohensFind albums by this artist (The “other” Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist, who is a famous bass player, is their cousin BTW). Yuval is a very gifted and accomplished musician, with an impressive musical education and experience, but the “real” story behind this album is the tragedy he experienced, when he became paralyzed as a result of an illness. After years of surgery, excruciating pain and suffering, he finally recovered, after having to re-learn how use his body and how to make music – an incredible triumph of mind and willpower over the human body. Yuval writes in the liner notes: “I would like to dedicate this album to the heroes of life, those people with disabilities who wake up each morning to discover afresh the powers hidden in their bodies and spirits which enable them to get through the day”. Now to the music – Yuval composed nine of the ten tracks on this album and performs them with his quartet, where he plays the soprano saxophone and which includes Gilad HexelmanFind albums by this artist on guitar, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist on bass and Daniel FriedmanFind albums by this artist on drums. Avishai on trumpet and Anat on clarinet guest on a few tracks. The music flows beautifully and is high spirited and very well performed. Yuval’s compositions are consistently excellent and the overall result should satisfy every lover of contemporary mainstream Jazz. Another proud addition to the growing Israeli Jazz legacy.

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HADAR NOIBERG ~ FROM THE GROUND UP DOT TIME 9041 (Barcode: 604043904129) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album by Israeli (resident in NY) flautist / composer Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist, recorded in her favorite trio format, with fellow Israeli bassist Haggai Cohen MiloFind albums by this artist and American drummer extraordinaire Allison MillerFind albums by this artist. Israeli clarinet superstar Anat CohenFind albums by this artist guests on one track and guitarist Yotam SilbersteinFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original composition by Noiberg and one is her interpretation of an Israeli Pop song. The flute is a delicate and fragile instrument and Noiberg´s decision to play her music in the intimate trio format is a wise choice. The trio leaves enough breathing (pun intended) space for all the musicians not only to express their individual statements, but more importantly to listen to each other attentively and sympathetically, which is evident in every moment of this album. Both Cohen Milo and Miller connect with Noiberg aesthetically and emotionally on many levels and the symbiosis does wonders for the music. Although physically uprooted from her Israeli identity, mentally Noiberg still resides very much within the Israeli landscape, with her tunes being all closely related to the desert wind and sea breeze, sunny beaches and gentle hills, where the lonely shepherd´s flute spins heartbreaking melodies. Her rhythmic identity still follows the Middle Eastern darbuka much closer than the regular 4/4 pulse. And this is the secret of Hadar Noiberg, which makes her tick and enables her to create that wonderful music of hers. The performances on this album are all absolutely perfect. Noiberg´s virtuosity is a well known fact and she really pours her heart out on this album. Cohen Milo is with her shoulder to shoulder, supplying the firm ground that allows her to spread her wings. His finesse and immense talent are a delightful gift and a blessing. I was lucky to meet Allison Miller and hear her playing this material live, and she is a soul mate communicating with Noiberg telepathically. Her amazing talent and unusual approach to drumming are a true discovery and I can´t imagine a better partner for Noiberg. Silberstein adds his gentle touch, like a whiff of a sensual perfume on a beautiful woman, inconspicuous but dramatically conquering. Anat Cohen exchanges some really hot licks with Noiberg, revealing a rarely seen ability of hers to improvise almost freely, which is another great surprise of this album. Overall this is a beautiful piece of superbly elegant music, a statement made by a mature and determined artist, who has a lot to offer and who makes this world a better place to live in. Hopefully this album will get the attention it truly deserves and personally I can´t wait to hear the next one already. Well done girl, chapeau!

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