Country

:

Israel

Birth

:

April 20, 1970 in Kabri, Israel

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Avishai Cohen is a renowned jazz bassist, composer, and singer from Israel. He was born on April 20, 1970, in Kabri, a small village in northern Israel. Cohen grew up in a musical family, and his father was a professional musician who played the trumpet. Cohen started playing the piano at the age of nine, but he switched to the bass guitar when he was 14 years old. Cohen's musical career began in the late 1980s when he joined the Israeli Air Force Orchestra as a bassist. He served in the orchestra for three years and gained valuable experience playing with some of Israel's top musicians. After completing his military service, Cohen moved to New York City to pursue his musical career. In New York, Cohen enrolled at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he studied with jazz legends such as Ron Carter and George Garzone. He also started playing with some of the city's top jazz musicians, including Chick Corea, Roy Hargrove, and Herbie Hancock. Cohen's breakthrough came in 1997 when he joined Chick Corea's band, Origin. He played with the band for four years and recorded several albums with them. During this time, Cohen also started recording his own albums as a bandleader. His debut album, "Adama," was released in 1998 and received critical acclaim. Cohen's music is a blend of jazz, world music, and classical music. He is known for his virtuosic bass playing, his melodic compositions, and his soulful singing. His music is influenced by his Israeli roots, and he often incorporates Middle Eastern and North African rhythms and melodies into his compositions. Cohen has released over 20 albums as a bandleader, and he has collaborated with many other musicians, including pianist Shai Maestro and drummer Mark Guiliana. He has also composed music for films and television shows, including the Israeli film "Yossi & Jagger" and the American TV series "The Affair." Cohen has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2003, he won the Israeli Prime Minister's Prize for his contribution to Israeli culture. In 2009, he was named the "Best Acoustic Bassist" by the Jazz Journalists Association. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards. Cohen has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Blue Note Jazz Club, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. He has also toured extensively around the world, performing in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In addition to his music career, Cohen is also an advocate for peace and social justice. He has been involved in several humanitarian projects, including the "Save a Child's Heart" organization, which provides life-saving heart surgeries for children from developing countries. In conclusion, Avishai Cohen is a highly respected and influential jazz musician who has made significant contributions to the genre. His virtuosic bass playing, melodic compositions, and soulful singing have earned him a devoted following around the world. He continues to push the boundaries of jazz and explore new musical territories, while also using his platform to promote peace and social justice.

More....