Search - Avishai Cohen :: Unity

E Pluribus Unum

ROGER L. FOREMAN | Bath, Maine | 02/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a big Cohen fan and owning his first three "solo" CDs, I was afraid that I'd miss his bass playing. Not the case, or at least not enough to make me not enjoy this CD immensely. His skills on piano are formidable, and, while he's not Keith Jarrett or Fred Hersch, he wisely does not try to be and just plays some solid piano on top of, around, and between some very solid arrangements. He picks up the bass on a few tracks, but his piano skills are predominant. When I saw the word "vocals" on the cover, I was a bit scared, too. He doesn't "sing," as in with lyrics and a clear melody--he just vocalizes along with his playing, which is really cool in spots. No Keith Jarrett grunts and groans.The theme of Unity is expressed on virtually every track, each of which seems to come from a different vein and nationality of music. The first couple of tracks have a very Latin feel, then some Middle Eastern rhythms sneak in, with a hint of classical here and there. This approach must have been a challenge to each of the musicians, a challenge to which they rose and met strongly! Really nice brass work from Lebovich on trombone and particularly Urcola on trumpet and flugelhorn. Nice flute work from Lebovich on the final track, "To the Love." Despite the individual talents of each, they seem to unify and play as one throughout the sets. No one tries to steal the show with a huge solo or domination on a single track. They play together for a common goal: good music!!Track one, "Short Story," is a great way to open the CD and sets the stage for the wide array of styles, tempos, rhythms to follow. "Pause," a brief piano solo in the middle, also typifies this variety within a minute and ten seconds. "A Child is Born," track nine, is a standout piece on the disc and is worthy of some major recognition.This band has forged a very unique sound, without being completely weird and unlistenable. They have combined some interesting instruments, arranged them spectacularly, mixed in a variety of basic styles, and have produced a quality product. If you are a fan of Cohen's previous work, don't shy away from this less bass-oriented CD. He could have just cranked out another successful solo CD (which would have been fine), but kudos to Cohen for pushing the envelope with this project. Great liner notes allow us to learn about the forming of the band and their work together. Thanks!"

He outdid himself (once again)

_roba | Belgium | 09/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was amazed to find that Cohen was able to achieve even more than what he did with his first three records. This 'Unity' is so full of wonderful melodies and exciting latin rhythms. This is the first album in which the trumpet is a leading instrument. It adds a perfect touch to this great recording. By the way, Avishai, a double bass player, is playing the piano on this one with great results! I'm astonished by the accomplishments of this incredible composer. You need this album !"

Jazz Guy Autumn Picks ...

Bill Wood | 10/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is new, original, cutting-edge music that is not afraid to be accessible. Cohen has no interest in obfuscation or esoterica. He uses a myriad of ethnic influences, from Israeli to Brazilian to African to synthesize a new music that is intelligent, exciting and engaging on every level. There is not a weak track on this CD; even "A Child Is Born", a jazz standard that has been covered almost as much as "You Don't Know What Love Is", is reborn under Cohen's deft aegis."