Avishai Cohen - Arvoles (2019)

×

Avishai Cohen - Arvoles (2019)

Close

The long awaited new musical statement from Avishai Cohen the Bassist and Composer delivers nine freshly executed, original compositions, and one delicately distinctive arrangement. Arvoles, which means ‘Trees’ in Ladino (the ancient language spoken by the Sephardic people of the diaspora), showcases Cohen own unique DNA and heartbeat. Whilst being deeply rooted in trio music, Arvoles delivers crafted stories enriched by an outstanding horn section, a sublime working unit, giving life and spirit. Every album that Avishai Cohen has produced to date has been a natural progression from his previous work and never fails to surprise us. His signature, is now elaborated and extended into an ever evolving blend of colors of his lyrical genius, and at the same time infused with his rhythmical virtuoso, taking his distinctive craftsmanship to another level. As with every true artist, Avishai challenges himself every time to an ever greater freedom and range of emotions, which are translated into esquisite compositions that naturally captivates the listener. With a focused, unique touch on piano, Elchin Shirinov from Azerbaijan, his debut, gives an utterly convincing contribution to the melodious current on this album, who is joined by Noam David, the immensely versatile and creative drummer who has again made his mark alongside Avishai as on previous occasions. Avishai, the oarsman takes us on a boat down a powerful river that flows through a vast landscape. We are lured into a conversation on an extraordinary trip that we feel has no limits or borders. A unique journey where its depth becomes our hope. This trio and ensemble cannot fail to impress.

’This time I wanted to focus on something else. I see ‘Arvoles’ as new music, it’s a reflection of my world over the last couple of years. Let’s just say the new work shows another part of my personality. It’s a collection of original instrumental compositions, and one traditional song written over the last couple of years without the intention of ever being compiled on the same record. Still, they all fit together like a hand in a glove. ‘Arvoles’ is recorded with my core trio drummer Noam David (Israel) and pianist Elchin Shirinov (Azerbaijan) who are both magnificent musicians and composers in their own right as truly reflected on the album. They both have joined me on the road for extensive worldwide touring that runs deep into 2020.

‘’There’s even horns in there, Björn Samuelsson (trombone) and Anders Hagberg (flute) which I hadn’t included in my writing for some time.

You could say I’m going back to basics, but with the maturity and vision that the last couple of decades have brought me. Nostalgia at its best is the strongest, most romantic, sincere, bitter-sweet feeling. And I agree it’s all over the record, with compositions like ‘Childhood’, ‘New York ‘90’s and ‘Nostalgia’.

‘’I had the happiest of childhoods, and I’m very proud I could include one of my mother’s paintings on the front cover of the album. She’s an artist in her own right, and it just made things come a full circle. I am so proud to be working with her in this way. ‘’ Avishai - April 2019