Anat Cohen Tentet: The Expansive Sound of Modern Jazz
Anat Cohen Tentet is the dynamic large ensemble led by Israeli-born clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen. The group represents a pinnacle of her artistic vision, blending global rhythms with sophisticated jazz composition. Their acclaimed 2017 album Happy Song was celebrated by critics and solidified their reputation for joyous, intricate performances.
Early career
Anat Cohen, born in 1975, began her musical journey in Tel Aviv before moving to the United States to study at the Berklee College of Music. She first gained attention as a member of the all-woman Diva Jazz Orchestra and through her work with the Choro Ensemble, exploring Brazilian choro music. Her early solo albums on the Anzic Records label, like Noir (2007), established her as a formidable bandleader and a master of the clarinet.
Breakthrough
The official formation of the Anat Cohen Tentet and the release of their 2017 album Happy Song on Anzic Records marked a major creative breakthrough. The album, featuring complex original compositions and inventive arrangements, received widespread critical acclaim and topped the JazzWeek radio chart for multiple weeks. This success demonstrated the commercial and artistic viability of her ambitious tentet format, leading to extensive international touring.
Key tracks
Happy Song — This title track from the 2017 album encapsulates the Tentet's energetic, rhythmically diverse, and uplifting signature sound.
Trills and Thrills — A composition by Oded Lev-Ari that showcases the ensemble's intricate interplay and Cohen's virtuosic clarinet flights.
Valsa Para Alice — This piece highlights the Tentet's ability to weave Brazilian influences seamlessly into the fabric of modern jazz.
Lullaby for the Native — A more contemplative work that demonstrates the group's dynamic range and emotional depth.
The Anat Cohen Tentet has continued to evolve, releasing the live album Triple Helix in 2019, which further explores the rich textures possible with the ten-piece instrumentation. Cohen's collaborations within the group feature esteemed musicians like pianist and musical director Oded Lev-Ari, guitarist Sheryl Bailey, and trumpeter Nadje Noordhuis. Their performances at major venues like the Village Vanguard and festivals worldwide are celebrated for their precision and infectious spirit.
Listeners who enjoy the Anat Cohen Tentet's expansive modern jazz may also appreciate the work of Avishai Cohen. The Israeli trumpeter shares a similar blend of deep tradition and contemporary exploration. The intricate compositions of Maria Schneider offer another reference point for richly orchestrated jazz. For a different Israeli perspective on global jazz fusion, explore Yemen Blues. The sophisticated ensemble work of the SFJazz Collective also resonates with the Tentet's collaborative energy.
The vibrant and sophisticated sounds of the Anat Cohen Tentet are a staple on modern jazz radio stations and online jazz radio streams featured on our platform. Their albums receive regular rotation on stations dedicated to contemporary large ensemble work and global jazz explorations.
You can experience the compelling music of Anat Cohen Tentet on the radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their genre-defying performances and hear why this ensemble is a vital force in today's jazz landscape.
