Avishai Cohen earned his reputation as one of the world's greatest bassists, as leader of his own projects over the last two decades and through his many performances with Chick Corea in his early years. It is however as a composer that his musical statement has grown through his rich compositions with vocals in Hebrew, Spanish and Ladino that combine his Israeli roots with his contemporary jazz background. His latest project, Avishai Cohen with Strings, is the culmination of this musical journey, bringing two worlds together - classical chamber music and jazz.
At the centre of Cohen's music is a string quartet with a difference; Cohen has replaced one of the violins with a viola in order to benefit from its darker timbre and create more depth. An oboe is added to the ensemble and joins Cohen's core trio with Nitai Hershkovits on piano and Ofri Nehemya on drums.
Cohen's warm vocals subtly create a mood that compliments the luscious instrumentation on his own compositions. The evening's performance will include arrangements of several Israeli love songs, such as 'Nigun Atik' by the poet Nathan Alterman and melodies from Mordechai Ze'ira, one of Cohen's favourite composers. Ladino songs have also been arranged for strings, including the Argentine song 'Alfonsina Y El Mar', along with the powerful centre piece of Avishai's own, 'Concerto for Bass'.
Expect an evening of exquisite and moving music from this inspired Israeli composer and dynamic performer supported by a truly gifted ensemble. Avishai Cohen - bass & vocals Nitai Hershkovits - piano Ofri Nehemya- drums Cordelia Hagmann - violin Amit Landau - viola Noam Haimovitz Weinschel - viola Yael Shapira - cello Yoram Lachish - oboe
Barbican Contemporary Music
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