Avishai Cohen Trio: Pioneers of Modern Jazz

The Avishai Cohen Trio is a world-leading acoustic jazz ensemble founded by Israeli double bassist, composer, and bandleader Avishai Cohen. Hailing from Jerusalem, the trio has achieved international acclaim for its dynamic and rhythmically complex music, selling out major concert halls worldwide and releasing a series of critically celebrated albums that consistently top jazz charts.

Early career

Avishai Cohen, born in 1970 in Kibbutz Kabri, Israel, began his musical journey on piano before switching to bass. After moving to New York City in the early 1990s, his formidable talent earned him a pivotal role in pianist Chick Corea's band, New Origin, from 1996. This high-profile collaboration led to Cohen signing with Corea's label, Stretch Records, and releasing his debut album as a leader, "Adama," in 1998.

Breakthrough

The trio's definitive breakthrough came with the 2003 album "Lyla," released on the French label Blue Note. This record, and its successors like "At Home" (2005) and "Continuo" (2006), solidified their signature sound—a captivating blend of post-bop, Middle Eastern motifs, and Latin rhythms. These releases established Cohen as a major force in European jazz, with albums frequently charting in France and other territories.

Key tracks

Remembering — This lyrical ballad from "Lyla" showcases the trio's deep melodic interplay and emotional resonance.

Seven Seas — A driving, complex composition that highlights the group's rhythmic ingenuity and Cohen's virtuosic bass playing.

Shuffle Seed — From "Continuo," this track is a masterclass in groove, built around a hypnotic bass ostinato and featuring the use of the oud.

Song For My Brother — A powerful, anthemic piece that demonstrates Cohen's talent for writing memorable, singable melodies within a jazz framework.

Following his tenure with Blue Note, Cohen founded his own label, Razdaz Recordz, in 2008, granting him full artistic control. The trio's output continued with acclaimed albums like "From Darkness" (2015) and "1970" (2023), the latter named for his birth year. Throughout, the trio's lineup has evolved, featuring stellar pianists like Shai Maestro and Elchin Shirinov alongside Cohen's anchoring bass and the drummers of choice.

Fans of the Avishai Cohen Trio's intricate compositions and global jazz fusion also enjoy the work of Shai Maestro, a former pianist in Cohen's trio who leads his own acclaimed ensemble. Ambrose Akinmusire offers a similarly innovative and lyrical approach to modern jazz trumpet. The rhythmic sophistication can be found in the music of Avishai Cohen, the acclaimed trumpeter and namesake, whose work is also exploratory. Listeners may also appreciate Yaron Herman, another Israeli jazz pianist known for his energetic and technically brilliant trio performances.

The innovative sounds of the Avishai Cohen Trio are a staple on modern jazz radio stations and specialist programs featured on this website. Their recordings receive regular airplay on channels dedicated to contemporary acoustic jazz, European jazz scenes, and live concert broadcasts, introducing their music to new audiences daily.

You can hear the compelling music of the Avishai Cohen Trio on radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their vast catalog and experience the power of one of modern jazz's most distinctive and rhythmically thrilling groups.