Record Reviews

AVISHAI COHEN ~ FROM DARKNESS RAZDAZ 4616 (Barcode: 7290105166234) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 After flirting with Pop vocals and other non-Jazz explorations Israeli bassist Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist is back to basics, presenting this album recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting with two young Israeli musicians: pianist Nitai HershkovitsFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel DorFind albums by this artist (both of them were members of saxophonist Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist´s group). The album presents eleven pieces, ten of which are original compositions by Cohen and one is a standard. Cohen´s ideas as a composer seem to have lost most of their freshness and element of surprise that characterized his early efforts. This time the melodic contents is rather simplistic and the obsession with odd meters is unnerving after four or five tunes but carries on till the very last tones of the album. There are some traces of the Middle Eastern tonality, but most of the time it is very difficult to characterize this music in any way. The album is saved by the wonderful performances by Hershkovits and Dor, who are the real stars here, outshining the leader by far. Of course Cohen is a fine bass player but on this album he sounds just like countless other mainstream bassists playing all over the world, professional but uninspired. As much as I admire Cohen for his pioneering work two decades ago, this album does not signal any new direction or progression and overall lacks focus. Of course it is still a very nice piece of music, which many listeners can enjoy, but musicians seeking the status of world leadership need to try harder. Better luck next time.

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AVISHAI COHEN / NITAI HERSHKOVITS ~ DUENDE BLUE NOTE 5099962415729 (Barcode: 5099962415729) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is an album by a duo of Israeli Jazz musicians: bassist / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Nitai HershkovitsFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Cohen and three are standards. By the time of the recording Cohen was already a world-famous Jazz player, but Hershkovits was just starting his career, which developed rapidly and led him to top Jazz class status, which he enjoys today. The intimate duo setting is the perfect opportunity to hear the great talents of both these great musicians, in a classic “Art of the Duo” environment. Cohen’s virtuosity and technique are truly stunning, and luckily this recording finds him sticking to the proper Jazz tradition, before his experimentations with Pop oriented material. Hershkovits is a pianist in a class of his own, which amalgamates a brilliant sensitivity, lyricism and unique touch on the keyboard. Cohen and Hershkovits recorded a couple of albums together, in various settings, following this recording, which are also quite remarkable, but personally I return to this album more often, as the delicate balance and no-nonsense approach is truly delightful. Overall, this is a beautiful, delicate and almost romantic album by two Jazz virtuosi, who display a perfect duo camaraderie, as well as their individual abilities. It is a somewhat forgotten album, which is definitely worth of re-visiting!

Updated: 25/01/2026Posted: 25/01/2026

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DANIEL ZAMIR ~ ONE TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290012387197) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the sixth album by brilliant Israeli saxophonist / composer Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist, one of most renowned Israeli Jazz musicians born in the country, who also managed to establish an international career. Zamir was born to a secular family, but during his stay in the US re-discovered Jewish religion and became an orthodox Jew. Zamir lived in the US since 2000 and returned to Israel in 2006, where he now lives, writes music, performs and records. During his stay in US he was "discovered" by John ZornFind albums by this artist and eventually recorded four (so far) albums for Zorn´s TzadikFind albums on this label label. This is his second album recorded and released in Israel. His music is a wonderful mixture of Klezmer, Jewish music, Eastern European and of course Jazz, which is completely unique. His technical fluency and unlimited expressionist powers place his among the world´s saxophone virtuosi. He now plays the soprano saxophone exclusively and his sound is often reminiscent of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s. This album includes music composed entirely written by him and he´s accompanied by some of the best Israeli Jazz players: Nitai HershkovitsFind albums by this artist – piano, Jonathan AlbalekFind albums by this artist– guitar, Noam VisenbergFind albums by this artist – bass and Daniel DorFind albums by this artist – drums. A string quartet is also present on the four-part suite dedicated to Noam Shalit. The album is a beautiful listening experience to every sensitive music lover, with everybody being able to discover the many different facets of this great music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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