We're pleased to finally welcome this Israeli bassist/composer/singer/arranger Avishai Cohen to the AB for the first time. Cohen – born in Israel but moved to New York in his teens – began...

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We're pleased to finally welcome this Israeli bassist/composer/singer/arranger Avishai Cohen to the AB for the first time. Cohen – born in Israel but moved to New York in his teens – began to fulfill his potential as a pianist from a very young age but quickly formed a preference for bass. His admiration of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius would have had something to do with that. Cohen earned his bread playing in NYC in Latin jazz bands and ended up in the trio of pianist Danilo Perez. In the period ’96-’03 he was a part of both Chick Corea’s trio and his sextet. Under his wing (and on his label) Cohen also released his first albums as bandleader. Since ’03 he's been leading his own Avishai Cohen trio and in the meantime Cohen also played with classy acts like Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove and even Alicia Keys. In '05 Cohen returned to his homeland. So it's no wonder that his latest album more prominently features the influences of his colourful roots: "the Sephardic-Mediterranean culture of his Mother and the East-European-Jewish origins of his father. His Jewish roots, his New York experiences and the renewed exposure to current events in Israel" (VPRO). His latest album, from '09 ('Aurore' ), was released via the famous Blue Note label. His new album follows in early 2011. He'll be performing in AB with his quartet.

Line up:

Avishai Cohen: bass / vocals
Shai Maestro: piano / keyboard
Amir Bresler: percussion